Chapter i574 /i

    Jessica paused, trying to recall the itinerary the production team had sent her earlier. Before she could piece it together, a stunning woman stepped out of a nearby van, someone vaguely familiar.

    d in a sleek designer tracksuit and wearing wlessly applied makeup, the woman approached with effortless poise. She smiled warmly. “Hi everyone, I’m Peyton Vaughn, the guest star for Season Two. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

    The livestream chat erupted the moment she stepped out.

    [It’s really Peyton!]

    [No way. The show must be blowing up if they got her.]

    [Didn’t she just win Best Actressst week? She’s the biggest star out there right now. What’s she doing on a small show like this?]

    [I thought she was already filming a new project.]

    [She’s even more beautiful in person!]

    [With Peyton on board, this show’s about to be next–level.]

    [We love you, Peyton!]

    [You’re amazing, Peyton!]

    The outpouring of admiration made it clear just how beloved she was by the public.

    Jessica finally ced her. She’d seen one of Peyton’s recent films and remembered hearing it had won awards. No wonder she looked so familiar.

    Whatever anyone might have privately thought, in front of the cameras, everyone greeted Peyton with enthusiasm.

    Once the pleasantries were exchanged, Raymond stepped in to exin the next stage of the program.

    “For the uing days, we’ve arranged a few light–hearted challenges to make the journey more engaging. Ms. Vaughn, as our guest, won’t be participating but will instead serve as the judge,

    “At the end of this stop, she’ll score each couple and name one of the men ‘Best Male Guest. So, gentlemen, consider this your cue to give it your all.”

    With that, a subtle tension settled over the group.

    Chase shot Connor a challenging look, thoughts sharp. “This time, I’m not losing to you.’

    Connor barely acknowledged him. Instead, his gaze shifted toward Brian, clearly sizing up who he saw as the truepetition.

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    Brian noticed and tilted his head slightly, catching Connor’s guarded stare. A faint smirk tugged at his lips.

    He thought, ‘You think you’re a threat? Not quite.’

    Spencer, watching the quiet exchange unfold, caught Vanessa ncing discreetly at Brian again. The sight only deepened his frustration. The whole idea of earning a “Best Man” title felt meaningless to him.

    And Vanessa didn’t expect him to win it, either.

    She was too focused on Brian, on the way he gently supported Jessica, his hand steady at her lower back, his expression attentive and soft.

    A man like that, and he wasn’t hers.

    But then again, they weren’t remarried yet. Taking him now wouldn’t exactly count as stealing.

    Brian suddenly felt a chill down his spine. He looked up instinctively and caught Peyton watching him. She turned away just a second toote, and his brows drew together in faint confusion.

    He didn’t know her well, but her face wasn’t unfamiliar. As one of the top–tier artists under a subsidiary of his entertainment group, she was effectively the face of that branch.

    They’d met once during a corporate visit, strictly business, nothing more.

    Since taking leave, he’d stepped away from day–to–day operations and hadn’t been following the subsidiaries closely.

    Like the others, he only learned of her guest appearance when Raymond made the announcement.

    ‘She keeps looking over. Did she recognize me?‘ he wondered, still feeling something was off.

    But Peyton, caught mid–nce, wasn’t flustered. She simply offered him a poised smile and a nod.

    Brian returned the gesture politely, then turned his attention back to Raymond, who was beginning to exin the rules for the first challenge.

    “Each pair will describe their ideal partner to an artist, who will then sketch the described person. We’llpare the results with their actual partners to see how closely they match. Now, let’s invite our guests to the observation deck, where our artists are waiting.”

    As Raymond spoke, he turned slightly and gestured toward the nearby deck, signaling the group to head over.

    Everyone nodded and began walking in pairs.

    Concerned for Jessica, Brian slowed his pace to stay with her, naturally falling behind and blending in with the trailing production crew.

    “Mr. Atkinson, it’s been a while,” Peyton said, breaking off her conversation with Raymond as she spotted Brian nearby. She took a few quick steps to catch up.

    Jessica looked up, somewhat surprised they knew each other.

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    “I’m no longer on duty,” Brian replied evenly. “Just treat me as any other person.” Though his tone was calm, the exnation was clearly for Jessica’s benefit, suggesting his connection with Peyton was nothing more than professional.

    Jessica gave a small nod in response.

    Peyton maintained her smile, inclining her head slightly. “Of course. You and Ms. Grant seem very much in sync.”

    She then nced at Jessica. “I saw some things online a while ago. I honestly thought you and Mr. Atkinson had broken up. d to see it was just a misunderstanding.”

    Jessica’s brow furrowed slightly. There was something in Peyton’s tone she didn’t quite like.

    “Not entirely a misunderstanding,” Jessica said coolly. Peyton’s presence made her ufortable, and she didn’t bother to hide it.

    Brian, without hesitation, took Jessica’s side. He offered Peyton a polite nod, then gently guided Jessica forward, picking up their pace to leave her behind.

    Peyton watched them walk away, a flicker of emotion passing through her darkening gaze.

    At the observation deck, the four couples drew lots to determine the order of participation.

    Jessica drew the first slot.

    She didn’t hesitate. Holding the slip, she stepped onto the tform.

    “Now, please each describe your ideal partner,” Raymond announced, giving a firm tap on the drum in his hand to mark the official start of the activity.

    Jessica took her seat, paused for a moment, then began. “My ideal partner?” Her voice was calm and clear. “Someone who loves and respects me… someone with a focused heart and quiet persistence.”

    Though her words were gentle and vague, viewers watching the livestream felt every sentence painted a perfect portrait of Brian.

    [Respectful, driven, grounded… isn’t that just Brian?]

    [Obviously. Look at her, showing off again.]

    [And doing it so well. Keep going, I’m loving this.]

    [Me too.]

    [Jessica’s subtle, but Brian’s always so direct. Every word he says is about her.]

    [He’s clearly head over heels.]

    [Ugh, they’re too good at this.]

    …

    [I want this kind of love.]

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    While thements streamed in, the artists‘ brushes flew across their canvases. Soon, two lifelike portraits began to take shape.