Chapter 117
Xena sat stiffly, her nerves stretched so
tight it felt like the room itself was closing in.
Janie hadn’t given her even a sliver of grace, cutting her down so thoroughly that Xena could barely lift her head.
Sure, Janie hadn’t outright said anything about their connection, but the tension was enough to raise questions in anyone’s mind
This had to be deliberate.
The unease gnawed at Xena, tangled with anger she could barely suppress. But she remained composed.
Jason and Family, seated close to her, exchanged quick, cautious glances. Their curiosity was obvious, but they stayed quiet.
On the other side of the room, Ryan and Zion looked like they’d turned to stone.
Meanwhile, Janie and Jackson were as calm as ever, their relaxed postures and unbothered expressions a stark contrast to the tension that had settled.
David was particularly excited, while Molly wanted to be in on the gossip. She was itching to figure out what just happened but couldn’t make sense of it
The director cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. “Alright, shall we pick back up?”
He couldn’t hide the faint regret in his tone. A little more drama, a bit more back–and–forth between Janie and Xena. would’ve been perfect for their live audience.
After all, this kind of tension was a ratings goldmine.
But since neither of them seemed willing to take the bait, he had no choice but to move things along.
Janie leaned back, like none of it had even registered with her.
Xena looked composed again, but the cracks were starting to show. Her energy was different now–less polished, more
strained.
за
Ryan sat quietly, lips pressed into a tight line, Zion looked miserable, every inch of him screaming discomfort,
Even Jason and Emily had gotten quieter, their earlier curiosity replaced by a brooding silence.
In stark contrast, Janie and Jackson seemed almost cheerful. They didn’t just look unaffected–they looked fine. Calm. Collected.
The director sounded kind of disappointed there. Or am I just imagining things because I thrive on chaos? LOLI
[Everyone’s reactions are priceless. I can already picture the drama. This might be the most entertaining reality show ever. Keep it coming!)
[I’m like a squirrel in a field of gossip nuts–someone please spill the tea and give me all the answers already!
The group turned their attention to the large screen displaying live audience comments.
A giant barrage of comments appeared on the screen
One comment quickly grabbed their attention: [How about Xena shows off some of her talent!
Xena blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before a wave of excitement lit up her face.
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20:13 Tue, 15 Apr
Chapter 117
She’d been raised in the best environment money could buy, polished to perfection in every skill a socialite might need. Piano, painting, dance–it was all second nature to her.
To Xena, this was the perfect opportunity to steal back the spotlight.
If she performed well, the earlier tension would fade, and people would only see her grace and elegance as the quintessential high–society darling.
Zion perked up, his earlier sulking replaced with pride. “Our Xena’s always been top–notch. The only question is–what should she show off?”
He glanced deliberately at Janie. Janie, why don’t you pick something for her?”
Everyone’s eyes shifted to Janie.
Janie though 1. “Seriously? Me again?
Jackson leaned back with a dramatic sigh. “I get it–our Janie is breathtakingly gorgeous and impossible to ignore–but do you have to keep staring at her?”
Zion gritted his teeth, clearly irritated.
Xena gave a polite smile. “Mr. Moore, please don’t misunderstand. Zion just wanted to include Janie in the conversation.
that’s all.
Jackson’s tone was dripping with mockery. “Oh, sure. Including her by being annoying. Makes total sense.”
Xena was speechless.
Janie’s lips quirked slightly as if amused.
Xena turned her attention fully to Janie. Janie, since my brother suggested it, why don’t you choose something for me to perform? I’ll do my best.”
Ryan felt deeply troubled.
All he wanted was to ease the tension between Janie and his siblings, but Zion and Xena’s constant meddling was doing the exact opposite.
Just as Ryan opened his mouth to intervene, Janie smiled and asked, “Anything?”
Xena’s confidence swelled. No matter how clever Janie’s comebacks might be, she was still just a girl from nowhere. There was no way she could compete with Xena’s level of refinement,
Xena smiled, “Within reason, of course. I’m comfortable with most common talents”
Janie tilted her head. “Wow, how impressive.”
She
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