Their Punching Bag Became The Storm novel Chapter 14

Darian hadn’t even answered yet when Emily’s voice rang out again.

“Whitney, we’re here to film a show, not to go on vacation. You can’t just keep making demands. It’s putting Darian in a tough spot,” Emily said.

She clenched her fists, putting on a brave, unyielding smile. “Don’t worry, Darian. No matter how tough things get, I’ll make it through.”

Whitney raised an eyebrow.

She thought, ‘So she’s trying to build a persona of being tough and hardworking now? ‘Since the wannabe wants to set up that image, I’ll just smile and play along.‘

Darian’s quick agreement to provide the lights was no accident. He’d been prepared for this all along.

Sure enough, Darian looked at her intently. “Of course, the production team wouldn’t let you guys film covered in mud and grime. We’ve already got raincoats ready for everyone.”

“Long live the production team!” Elian Hanson, the youngest of the group, immediately cheered.

He completely forgot that all the risks they were about to face tonight were orchestrated by the production team.

This was the production team’s usual trick.

First, they’d hit them with something tough, then sweeten the deal with a reward.

That way, the guests were way more likely to accept the risky challenges.

Emily’s face went from pale to red, then back again, looking completely mortified. The brave front she’d just put on melted away, leaving her feeling humiliated.

With her eyes rimmed red, she buried herself in Chase’s arms.

Chase, feeling sorry for her, held her tight, gently patting her back and whispering comforting words.

All the while, he shot Whitney a hostile glare.

Whitney shot her a cool glance, keeping her face perfectly calm. “Darian, since Miss Anderson is so determined to tough it out, there’s really no need to bother giving her team the tools I requested.”

‘She wants to play the tough girl? Let her show us how tough she really is, Whitney thought.

“You…” Emily gritted her teeth, lifting her head from Chase’s arms. Her tear–stained

Chapter 14 Team Up With You

eyes fixed on Whitney, looking like she was about to cry.

But she had no comeback.

If she tried, she’d just be slapping herself in the face.

Darian pretended to look troubled, but inside, he was absolutely thrilled.

‘Let them fight,‘ he thought.

The more they fought, the more buzz the show would get.

The livestream had barely started back up.

They were basically living on the trending charts now.

It wasn’t just Ryan who was making the show blow up online.

Emily’s face kept flushing and paling, her lower lip bitten raw, but she just couldn’t muster the nerve to meet Whitney’s mocking gaze and say, “I don’t want it!” with any real guts.

It wasn’t until Darian announced that there were only ten minutes left to form teams that everyone finally perked up, eagerly inviting their favorite partners to join them.

Chase gently patted Emily’s slender shoulder, just about to tell her he’d always protect

her.

But before he could get the words out, Emily suddenly darted out of his embrace and headed straight for someone else.

Chase’s expression stiffened in surprise.

Emily had her sights set. She was making a beeline for Ryan.

The other guests were itching to hop on Ryan’s bandwagon, but they weren’t stupid.

They all knew this guy was like a flower on a high mountain, totally out of reach,

almost divine.

If they played it right, it’d be a jackpot.

But if they screwed it up, their career could go down the drain.

r

So when they saw someone gutsy and talented enough to actually approach Ryan, everyone could hardly believe their eyes.

Even as they were busy teaming up, everyone couldn’t help but glance over in Ryan’s direction.

Emily walked right up to Ryan, lifting her gaze to his face. No matter how long she looked, he was still unbelievably stunning.

Her lashes, still a little damp, fluttered as she looked at him with a face that made anyone want to protect her.

Chapter 14 Team’p With You

That’s right. She was determined to team up with Ryan.

She was going to be the one to pull this cold, ethereal man down from his pedestal. As long as she and Ryan were teamed up, that was all she needed.

With the lights out and just the two of them alone, it was inevitable there’d be some accidental contact.

She was sure of herself.

As long as Ryan spent some time alone with her, she was certain she’d win him over.

Plus, with Ryan on her side, the production team would totally hook them up with anything they wanted.

“Mr. Pierce…” Emily said, her voice soft with a subtle, fearful tone, as if she still hadn’t recovered from the hurt Whitney had just dealt her.

But before she could even get the invitation out, Ryan, icy and aloof, didn’t even lift his eyes. “I’m not looking to get dragged into drama or have someone cling to me.”

His voice was cool and deep, every word landing perfectly.

It left Emily blushing and speechless.

With that, Ryan turned on his heel and looked straight at Whitney.

They were already standing close to each other.

He spoke up, “Miss Harrington, would you honor me by teaming up with you?”

If Ryan’s words had already left Emily utterly humiliated, then his next move, inviting Whitney to team up with him, was like grinding her dignity into the dirt for everyone to

see.

Emily was so mortified she wished the ground would just swallow her up.

She knew Ryan didn’t like her right now, but she still worked up the nerve to go ask him

[ to team up.

She was convinced that, with all the cameras on them, Ryan wouldn’t dare reject her.

But she never imagined Ryan wouldn’t even bother to be polite and would go out of his way to embarrass her like that!

‘Does he really think just because he’s a legend in the industry, nobody’s gonna roast him?‘ Emily fumed. ‘How can a guy be this dense, with zero sense of romance and not even a shred of gentleman vibes?‘

Emily was so furious, tears started streaming down her face.

Her eyes, red and wet, glared daggers at Whitney.

It was like she was warning Whitney. If she dared to accept Ryan’s invitation, she’d better watch out.

Chapter 14 Team Up With You

Whitney didn’t even bother to look her way. She just raised an eyebrow lazily and Tocked eyes with Ryan. Those dark, refined eyes of his, already hinting at a playful

smile.

“Alright,” she replied. Since he’d helped her out more than once, she figured she’d let this fragile pretty boy tag along and keep an eye on him.

Tonight, she’d let him mooch off her and enjoy a real feast for once.

As soon as Whitney said yes, Emily’s face twisted with embarrassment.

The shame was so overwhelming, she felt like she might just burst right then and there.

“Emily, let them team up if they want. I’ll team up with you!” Jason walked over, flexing his muscles as he spoke.

He thumped his chest. “I can protect you.”

Emily wanted to just tell him to get lost, but she kept her cool.

With her eyes red, she gave Jason a hard shove and dashed away.

Chase had just been ditched by Emily, and honestly, it stung a little. But the moment he saw her crying her eyes out, all that hurt just melted away.

He immediately took off after her.

“Emily,” he called out.

Kayla had been hoping to use this chance to team up with Chase. If she could marry him and become Mrs. Anderson, that’d be way better than trying to win over Emily.

But before she could even put her plan into action, Chase was already running after

Emily.

‘This is all Whitney’s fault!‘ Kayla fumed.

Kayla vented all her frustration at Whitney. “Some people just can’t stop flirting with the hottest star to stir up drama. Maybe they should worry about whether their crippled leg is just gonna hold Ryan back.”

[Oh, right. Didn’t Whitney injure her leg? If she teams up with Ryan, isn’t she just gonna be dead weight for him?]

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Chapter 15 is the vibe a little weird”