The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 34

"Listen up!" the director's voice echoes through the megaphone. "The Final Gauntlet is an island survival challenge! You will spend the next twenty-four hours on Solitude Isle. You must survive the elements, complete the mandatory objectives, and secure The Grand Cache hidden somewhere on the island!"

Jade immediately scowls. Thinking the camera is focused on the director, she mutters to herself, "What? A deserted island? Are there even clean toilets? Do they have hot water?"

She tries to mask her annoyance, but the high-definition lens catches every subtle eye roll.

The live chat instantly erupts:

[LMAO. Does Jade think she's checking into a luxury resort?]

[Hot water on a deserted island? Does she think she's filming a romance drama?]

[This is going to be hilarious. Let's just pray she doesn't drag the rest of the team down with her.]

[Can someone just ban her from the industry already? She is so ridiculously whiny!]

The crew approaches, handing each contestant a standard-issue survival backpack. "These contain the absolute bare essentials. From here on out, you're on your own."

Jade rips hers open and sneers at the contents in utter disbelief. "Is this a joke? A flimsy knife, a flint stone, and one bottle of water? How is anyone supposed to survive on this?"

Amanda rolls her eyes, losing whatever patience she had left. "Jade, it's a survival challenge. We aren't going on a luxury vacation."

Does Jade have zero situational awareness? Does she genuinely not realize that millions of people are watching her complain in real time?

Unaware that the camera is locked on her miserable expression, Jade snaps back, "I know that! Keep your mouth shut."

"You don't look worried at all, Tara," Amanda notes, her voice trembling slightly. She is terrified of the venomous snakes, lethal insects, and toxic plants that could be lurking in the jungle. Even knowing the production crew must have scouted the location, the fear is real.

Tara gives a reassuring smile. "Nothing to worry about. Just treat it like a weekend camping trip."

Hearing her calm, steady tone, Amanda immediately relaxes. Tara radiates an undeniable aura of absolute safety.

On the opposite end of the boat, Jade clings desperately to the railing, her face ghostly pale. "Why is the boat bouncing so much? I think I'm going to throw up..."

Noticing her distress, the on-site medic rushes over to hand her motion-sickness pills. Jade collapses into her seat, whining weakly, "This show is garbage... I want to go home..."

Dizzy, nauseous, and utterly miserable, Jade completely abandons her angelic persona. She just wants her luxurious bed and her family's endless coddling. Why is she subjecting herself to this torture?!