With Kate occupied recording pre-show interviews, Ivy found herself wandering alone around the campsite. The male contestants had been enlisted by the production team for manual labor; though she wanted to help, she felt awkward being the only girl among them. Sophia and Annie had vanished as soon as they stepped off the bus, their whereabouts unknown.
Ivy glanced around and strolled toward a nearby grove, where a sea of crimson maple leaves greeted her eyes—a breathtaking sight. She thought about bringing Kate here later to admire it together.
She didn't dare venture in alone and was about to turn back when she heard voices.
"What do you want to say?" It was Annie's voice.
"You've been cold to me since yesterday. You owe me an explanation. Is it because I accidentally let something slip to Ivy?" Sophia's tone was anxious.
From her vantage point, Ivy could see a glimpse of Sophia's clothing behind the trees but only a small corner.