Chapter 3: The Temptation Is You

Ivy was startled by the sudden voice. Realizing who it was, she greeted awkwardly, "Miss…" She trailed off, unsure how to address Kate directly. Calling her "Miss Stone" felt like overkill, especially after yesterday's incident with Ethan.

While she was lost in thought, Kate had taken hold of her sleeve and led her to the helmet rack, helping her fasten one. By the time Ivy snapped back, she was already in the driver's seat, with Kate settled in the passenger's.

Kate, noticing Ivy's stunned silence, frowned slightly. "Are you not comfortable sharing a car with me?"

Ivy shook her head vehemently. "No, not at all!"

Kate, without missing a beat, replied, "You certainly don't look thrilled."

Blinking, Ivy explained, "I'm just overwhelmed by the surprise."

"Surprised?"

"Yes! You said you were tired and wanted me to drive you, which must mean you trust me. Earning your approval feels like… well, like getting a gold star from my teacher," she finished earnestly.

Kate said nothing, only lowered her visor with a click, her expression inscrutable.

A crew member pulled the engine cord, and a deafening roar filled the air, halting any further conversation.

With renewed determination, Ivy gripped the wheel, knowing that with Kate's competitiveness, losing wasn't an option.

Ivy floored the gas pedal, focusing intently, nerves taut as if this were a life-or-death exam. Under the pressure of having Kate as a passenger, she surpassed her usual performance, navigating the sharp turns like a flash of lightning, her hands sore and her leg cramping.

But in the end, she crossed the finish line first, leaving the other cars far behind.

The other contestants: "..." Was this a romance show or an action flick?

As they eased into the parking space, Ivy exhaled, fogging up her visor, then, without thinking, grabbed Kate's hand and raised it in triumph. "We won first place!"

Kate glanced at her but didn't pull away, letting Ivy celebrate unabashedly like a child showing off their first trophy.

Realizing her outburst, Ivy released Kate's hand, embarrassed. "Did I overdo it? I mean, it's just a small race…" Her eyes sparkled. "It's just… with you beside me, winning feels incredible."

Kate's expression froze briefly. She unfastened her seatbelt and looked away. "Let's get out."

Ivy scratched her head, wondering if she'd been too noisy for Kate's liking.

After the karting event, a crew member announced, "According to the rankings, those eligible to invite someone on a solo date are Kate Stone, Ivy Green, Ethan Grant, and Sophia Snow. Once an invitation is extended, the other party cannot refuse."

Although Ethan had lost to Kate, his average speed was still the second fastest, and Sophia had gotten a free ride as his passenger.

Hearing the results, the production team felt a pang of disappointment. Originally, they had hoped for Lucas and Matthew—Kate's schoolmate and her longtime admirer—to be eligible for dates. This would have set the stage for a suspenseful showdown, with viewers speculating if Lucas would finally make a move on his long-time crush and if Matthew might also be interested in asking Kate out.

But instead, Kate had secured the top spot, claiming both the date fund and the right to initiate. Now, they could only wonder: who would the enigmatic Kate choose for her date?

Several producers scratched their heads in frustration. Their initial choice of kart racing had been based on research showing Lucas and Matthew were skilled drivers, yet neither of them had made the cut.

Karting was a physically taxing activity, and by the end, everyone was exhausted. The rest of the day's filming schedule was set as free time, allowing the guests to relax or engage as they pleased.

Back at the villa, Ivy's post-race fatigue had set in, her arms limp at her sides. "I feel like a total wreck!" she muttered, shuffling along like a zombie.

Sophia chuckled, "Little Ivy, are you that out of shape? That was hardly a workout!"

Annie rolled her eyes, "Spare her from your 'inspirational' commentary."

Sophia feigned innocence, "It's not my fault if she can't handle it. Besides, only someone with a mind as guttered as yours would read into what I said."

Annie shot her a knowing smirk. "Whether you're pure or not is your secret to keep."

Sophia scoffed, "Seems you're itching for another round with our fanbases."

Annie quipped back, "It's you who wants to pick a fight."

Watching them, Ivy thought to herself, Is their relationship really as frosty as the tabloids make it out to be?

As she looked from Sophia to Annie, her curiosity grew, pondering if there was more beneath the surface.

Just then, Kate's voice startled her, "Here."

Ivy turned to see Kate holding a bottle of muscle-relief cream.

"Oh, it's you," Ivy said, clutching her chest in mock relief.

Kate raised an eyebrow, "You startle easier than my dog."

Ivy: "..." Does she see me as a dog?

Without a second thought, Ivy let out a few playful barks, "Woof, woof, woof."

Though Kate's expression remained mostly neutral, her eyes betrayed a hint of surprise.

Annie and Sophia's argument paused as they approached, ready to join in the conversation. Ivy felt a wave of dizziness come over her, her breathing quickened, and the room blurred. Moments later, she instinctively reached out, wrapping her arms tightly around the nearest person, clinging as if she'd grabbed onto a lifeline in a stormy sea.

Feeling Ivy collapse, Kate's arms circled her waist, holding her steady.

Sophia noticed the scene and asked, "What's wrong with Ivy?"

"She's hypoglycemic," Kate answered.

Sophia blinked, surprised at Kate's response. "Oh, I see… But how does Kate know so much about her? They didn't seem close this morning."

Resting her head on Kate's shoulder, Ivy's face had gone pale. In a voice so quiet only Kate could hear, she murmured, "I want to go upstairs."

"I'll take her up to rest," Kate said to the others.

Annie nodded, "Alright, let us know if you need anything."

Once they reached the room, Ivy's mind cleared somewhat, realizing she was still clinging to Kate. Embarrassed, she let go quickly. "I'm not heavy, am I? Didn't hurt you, right?"

Kate answered smoothly, "I'm stronger than you."

Ivy blurted without thinking, "You said you had no strength left this morning." Her voice was soft, almost petulant, and if one didn't know better, it might have sounded affectionate.

Kate simply guided her to the bed with a gentle yet firm, "Lie down."

"But I feel fine now," Ivy protested, wide-eyed. "I just felt a bit faint for a moment; I'm fine now!"

Kate didn't press, instead tossing the cream onto Ivy's lap. "This will ease the muscle soreness."

"Oh…" It took Ivy a second to catch on. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Kate replied, moving to the other side of the room and picking up a book, a subtle aura of calm surrounding her as she read, seeming oblivious to Ivy.

As Ivy applied the cream, she glanced at Kate, smiling. "You're so nice!"

Kate showed no reaction, though the pages of her book seemed to linger a touch too long on one line.

Though Ivy had recovered, she was reluctant to go downstairs alone, given that Kate had come up with her. Pulling out her phone, she decided to catch up on the trending topics, her eyes immediately landing on a headline:

#WhiteWindDrinkingWaterAdam'sApple#

"White Wind" was David's stage name, given by a famed fortune teller. Perhaps the moniker had indeed brought him luck, as he had become a sensation right after his debut, and trending wasn't new for him.

Ivy rolled her eyes. "Is there nothing else to cover?"

She clicked on the topic, seeing countless fans gushing over a clip of David sipping water post-performance.

—"Is this Adam's apple even real?" —"So dreamy!" —"He's mine!" —"He's my husband, not yours!"

Ivy: "…" He's my brother. And I don't need all these sisters-in-law.

As she scrolled, she noticed Kate looking up from her book, their gazes meeting.

For a moment, silence filled the room, an unspoken tension that Ivy felt more than saw.

Without thinking, Ivy lifted her phone. "Want to see something interesting?"

Kate paused, then asked, "Are you a big fan?"

Ivy shook her head quickly. "No, I just saw it trending and checked it out."

Kate remained quiet.

Suddenly inspired, Ivy hopped off the bed, showing Kate the trending video. "What do you think?"

Kate asked, "Think about what?"

"This trending video," Ivy said, gesturing at the screen, "of White Wind drinking water."

In her typically cool voice, Kate replied, "Are they out of stories to cover?" Her reaction mirrored Ivy's earlier thoughts.

Ivy ventured, "You don't find it… enticing?"

Kate raised an eyebrow, giving Ivy an amused look. "Is that all the world has for temptation?"

Without thinking, Ivy replied, "Of course not. I mean… you're the ultimate temptation."