Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)

Chapter 496

In the heart of the woodlands, the trees stood like uniformed soldiers, their canopies merging into an

unbroken sea of green. A mist curled around the trunks, casting an enchanting spell that seemed to

lead the wanderers in endless circles.

Joana's pulse quickened with panic. She called out to Naylor, who was forging ahead confidently, "Mr.

Naylor, are we lost? I swear we've passed this spot before!"

Parrish nodded in agreement. "Deja vu, right? But we've been walking straight; we couldn't possibly be

walking in circles, could we?"

"Don't worry, we aren't walking in circles. Stick with me, and don't touch anything on the trees," Naylor

advised, his last comment clearly directed at Joana.

Joana bit her lip, suppressing the urge to argue. She knew she had to start playing nice according to

the script Emily had laid out for her. She had to begin her transformation into the darling of the crowd if

she wanted to stay afloat in the ruthless entertainment industry.

With her reputation on shaky ground and the scarcity of quality roles, Joana was aware that her star

could dim as quickly as it had risen. The relentless cycle of fame meant that even if she felt wronged,

she had to swallow her pride and endure.

Meanwhile, Astrid, armed with a dagger, had been discreetly marking the trees they passed. She was Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

confident they weren't moving in circles. But this place, with its ancient towering trees, blocked out the

sunlight with its dense canopy, always giving off a sense of darkness and oppression.

"Here, take a swig of this." Elio offered his water bottle to Astrid.

"I've got my own, thanks," Astrid declined, reaching for her backpack.

Elio circled behind her. "Let me get that for you."

"Sure." Astrid accepted the water bottle he handed her and immediately felt her backpack grow lighter.

Whirling around, she saw Elio putting her belongings into his own pack.

"I can carry it myself," she protested.

Ignoring her, Elio zipped up his backpack and whispered conspiratorially, "You're on your period, right?

Don't play the tough girl now."

Astrid's heart skipped a beat. Damn, this guy remembered her period?

But he was spot-on—it was indeed that time of the month. Knowing she'd be uncomfortable, Astrid

dropped the argument. After all, why not accept some free help?

Joana, on the other hand, was barely able to trudge along. Her backpack, laden not only with the

essentials but also her makeup and skincare products, was weighing her down. Pride kept her from

complaining, for fear of being labeled the weak link.

Parrish had already taken some of Odell's load, and Clyde, noticing Joana's struggle, offered, "Joana,

your pack seems heavy, huh?"

Hearing Clyde's voice felt like a choir of angels to Joana. She nodded eagerly, thinking he was offering

to help. "Yes, it's so heavy."

Clyde delivered his advice with blunt practicality. "Ditch your makeup and skincare stuff, and you'll be

good to go. Keep it up!"

Joana was speechless. Keep it up?

Astrid struggled to stifle her laughter.

Online, the viewers were having a field day. [LOL, has Clyde been hanging out with Mr. Lampard too

much? He's got that straight-guy bluntness down!]

[ROFL, Joana totally thought Clyde was going to carry her stuff. 'Keep it up,' they said—classic!]