When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 312

Chapter 312: A Game of Cars and Schemes

Gianna was more determined than ever to exact revenge for the humiliation she had suffered during the previous show. Her resolve burned fiercely as she prepared to face the cameras once again.

“The show has officially kicked off. Let’s move to our first destination,” the host announced with a bright smile, leading the group toward the waiting vehicles.

Two sleek five-seater sedans stood ready, one designated for the guests and the other for the staff. Although there were six guests in total, there were no assigned seats in the cars, allowing everyone the freedom to choose their companions.

Without hesitation, Gianna grabbed Miguel and Vincent by the arms. “Miguel, Vincent, let’s go,” she said, her tone confident and assertive as she pulled them toward one of the sedans. Wrapping an arm around each man, she shot a triumphant glance at Amelia, who was standing a few feet away, watching quietly.

So what if Amelia had Jeremy’s support? Gianna thought with a smirk. That was just a fleeting advantage. She herself had something far more enduring—Jeremy was her fiancé, and Vincent was like a protective brother who would spoil her endlessly, always ready to indulge her every whim.

No matter how much Amelia envied it, she would never have that kind of loyalty or affection.

Amelia’s gaze flickered briefly toward Gianna, calm and unreadable. Inwardly, she mused, This woman still hasn’t learned anything. She’s on a public stage and yet continues to pull these childish stunts. No wonder she was so easily pushed out of the industry.

Suddenly, a familiar voice crackled softly in Gianna’s earpiece. “Gianna, tone it down. Remember, you’re on camera right now. Every glance, every word is going to be scrutinized a hundred times more than in private,” Regina warned gently.

Regina had promised to guide Gianna through the show, stepping in whenever the questions turned technical. Watching Gianna’s bold display on the screen, Regina already saw the problem—her daughter was once again stealing the spotlight in a way that rubbed people the wrong way.

No wonder Gianna attracted so much negativity in the industry. Even as her mother, Regina couldn’t help but acknowledge her daughter’s insatiable hunger for attention and lack of subtlety.

Quickly, she sent the warning, hoping to steer Gianna back on track.

Hearing Regina’s voice, Gianna felt an immediate wave of relief wash over her. Their connection was still active, which meant Amelia didn’t have the power—or the courage—to interfere with the show’s system. That was a relief. It meant Gianna had nothing to fear from the upcoming challenges.

If the competition turned technical, she could simply rely on her mother’s expertise working behind the scenes. There was no way Amelia could match Regina’s skill.

Despite the caution, Gianna didn’t take the warning too seriously. In her mind, she hadn’t done anything wrong. Previously, she might have hesitated, afraid of making a misstep and facing public backlash. But now, she had embraced a different philosophy: bad publicity was still publicity.

Maybe this bold strategy would make her stand out from the crowd.

[Look at Amelia and Jeremy—they have such undeniable chemistry. They didn’t even pause before hopping into the same car.]

[Honestly, they just didn’t want to share space with that loudmouth. Who would want to breathe the same air as her? Ha!]

[Good call by Selena sticking with Amelia. No one wants to be stuck with that fake singer.]

Meanwhile, Victor watched the flood of comments and soaring view counts with a wide grin stretching across his face. He had lost count of how many times he had congratulated himself on this casting choice—this group was pure gold for ratings.

The show’s success was all but guaranteed.

As for Marcelo, he didn’t mind being dragged into the car, but Vincent looked visibly drained and uninterested, his enthusiasm clearly waning.

The stage was set, the players in place, and the game of cars and schemes was about to unfold.