When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Reality Show Officially Begins

Amelia paused briefly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. “You’re familiar with this too?” she asked, curiosity edging her tone.

Jeremy nodded confidently. “Absolutely. I’ve invested in it as well. In fact, I’m one of the major backers,” he revealed.

“That’s reassuring,” Amelia replied with a small smile. “I’m prepared for what’s coming. By the way, you should come in for your treatment in the next couple of days. I might be away for about a week.”

“If anything happens, just give me a call,” Jeremy said, concern evident in his voice.

He had caught wind that the show was already a massive hit, drawing in top-tier stars and trending personalities. Yet, he wondered, why would Amelia choose to participate as well? Could the Nygards be plotting against her once more? He decided to keep a discreet eye on her, just in case.

“Alright,” Amelia felt a warmth in her chest hearing his promise.

Three days later, the premiere episode of “Heiress Bootcamp” went live. The show was set outdoors, broadcasted in real time, promising genuine reactions without scripts or manufactured drama.

The producers had selected a quaint rural town as the backdrop. The five participants were required to cohabit a modest farmhouse for an entire week, facing various challenges along the way.

Dragging her suitcase behind her, Amelia arrived last at the designated meeting point. The others had been waiting for quite some time.

“Amelia, you’re finally here! We’ve been waiting forever!” Gianna called out cheerfully, waving her hands dramatically. Dressed in a vibrant red strapless dress paired with sky-high heels, she looked completely out of place amid the rustic surroundings.

Amelia inwardly scowled. That sneaky Marcelo had told her to arrive at 10:00, but it was only 9:30, and everyone else was already gathered. Clearly, he wanted her to appear tardy, to paint this “nobody actress” as a diva.

Such a sly tactic!

Cameras were already trained on her. Taking a deep breath, Amelia urged herself to stay composed. If trouble was coming, she would confront it head-on. Let’s see who breaks first.

Determined, she vowed to make the Nygards regret their decision.

Her outfit was simple—a plain white T-shirt and jeans, her long hair neatly pulled back into a ponytail. She wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty was undeniable, captivating those around her.

The other four guests presented a stark contrast. Besides Gianna, there was the well-known actress Kristina Adler, affluent heiress Patricia Luwin, and singer Bella Yarrow. Each was adorned in flawless makeup and glamorous attire, as if attending a prestigious awards ceremony rather than a humble rural reality show.

“Sorry, I got the time mixed up,” Amelia said evenly, neither overly humble nor defensive.

Kristina let out a sharp laugh. “These rookies really think the world revolves around them, making veterans like us wait this long.”

“Yeah, showing up last is certainly one way to grab attention,” Patricia chimed in with a smirk.

Gianna tried to appear sympathetic. “Maybe Amelia was just delayed on her way here.”

Amelia chose not to respond. She knew that the more she spoke, the more vulnerable she’d become.

The livestream had already begun as they arrived, and comments poured in.

Gianna batted her eyes plaintively. “Mr. Ford, can I at least keep my sunscreen? My skin is incredibly sensitive.”

Without sunscreen, her skin might peel by the end of the show.

Only Amelia and Bella remained silent.

The livestream chat exploded once again.

[Amelia is so composed! I’m officially a fan. She’s naturally beautiful.]

[Bella is cool—quiet but impressive.]

[Poor Gianna, they won’t even let her keep sunscreen. The producers are ruthless.]

[Is it just me, or is Gianna being overly dramatic? This isn’t a fashion show. What a show-off!]

But Huxley stood firm. “Rules are rules. Now, please hand over your phones and wallets. No outside contact during the show.”

After collecting their belongings, Huxley announced the first challenge. “You’ll hike three miles to the small town where you’ll be staying. There are no vehicles to take you, so you must walk. Whoever arrives first gets first pick of the beds.”

The tension was palpable as the contestants prepared for the trek ahead.