Chapter 18
Cameron was sharp as ever. Ignoring Adam’s desperate plea, he turned to Eliana with a sly smile. “Since you’re so eager to play, why don’t you decide the punishment”
Eliana’s eyes lit up instantly. “Seriously? You’re letting
me choose?”
Cameron nodded casually. Yep.”
Landon, who was already laughing uncontrollably, nearly doubled over. “Damn, Adam! If you start groveling to Eliana now, you might still stand a
chance!”
Adam shot a deadpan look. “Cameron, what the hell, man? You’ve changed. How could you betray me for her? Bros before–oh, never mind. I despise you!”
Cameron didn’t even flinch, letting Adam’s words roll off him like water off a duck’s back.
Meanwhile, Eliana, full of devilish ideas, leaned in close to whisper with Landon. The two were like peas in a pod when it came to scheming. Their collaboration? Pure chaos.
After a short exchange, Eliana straightened up and cleared her throat with an air of mischief. “Alright, boys, here are your options. One, eat barbecue sauce straight. Two, chow down on some raw beef liver. Or three, take a leap of faith and try the ‘mystery concoction.”
Adam blinked in disbelief. “Mystery concoction? What the hell even is that?”
Eliana gave him a cheeky wink. “Oh, that’s classified. Just pick already.”
Landon was eating something that looked like the mystery concoction and seemed to enjoy it. Thomas and Adam exchanged glances and quickly decided, “We’ll choose the mystery concoction
“Good choice!” Landon said, putting down his bowl of soup and asking the server to bring a blender.
Into the blender weit two raw eggs, two stalks of celery, two onions, a tomato, some garlic, some blue cheese, and durian flesh. They blended it into
thick mixture and added a splash of milk
Eliana proudly called it the “Super Explosive Wake–Up Smoothie.”
Thomas and Adam looked at the concoction with queasy expressions on their faces. “Is this even edible?”
“Of course it is,” Eliana replied.
Landon agreed, “Yeah, all the ingredients are edible. Whether it gives you an upset stomach, who knows?”
Eliana rublied her chin thoughtfully. At worst, you’ll just feel weak for a bit Some anti–diarrhea medicine should fix it”
“Seriously! Thomas exclaimed, eyes wide, “Eliana, I’m your cousin. How could you be so ruthless to me?”
If they cas this, something unexpected might happen,
Eliana smirked. Despite her beauty, there was something mischievous about her expression
Landon couldn’t resist adding to the situation, saying. “Don’t worry. If things get messy, I’ll get you some anti–diarrhea medicine.” Adam was left sprechiless.
Cameron chimed in. “You have to stick to the rules”
With Cameron’s words, there was no turning back. Backing out might lead to something worse than eating the concoction.
Thomas picked up his bowl, closed his eyes like a warrior heading into battle, and said, “Eliana, Ill never forget this. This terrible idea must be yours.” Then he dawned it in one go.
Inspired by Thomas’s courage. Adany did ilie same.” They ate so fast that they barely tasted it; it just slipped down their throats.
“We’re done. The punishment’s over, right?” Thomas asked.
Landon nodded. “Yeah, it’s over. We’ll play again next time!
Thomas snorted, “Next time, huh? I’ll make sure you try this recipe yourself!”
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Chapter 18
Adam agreed, “Yeah, you have to try it too!”
Elana laughed and asked, “Did you taste anything?”
Adam replied. “I didn’t dare to taste it, afraid I’d spit it out
Landon burst into laughter.
After finishing the barbecue, they drove Eliana home.
As the car pulled into the Davis family estate, Eliana got out and said goodbye. “See you guys tomorrow.”
Tomorrow? Thomas asked
They didn’t have to go to school for the next two days since the freshmen’s training session started in three days.
Thomas explained, “We’re taking you out.”
Eliana nodded. “Alright, see you tomorrow.” With that, she turned and went inside.
Cameron watched her until she was out of sight, then finally looked away.
“Still watching, huh? It’s not like you won’t see her tomorrow, Thomas teased.
Cameron shot him a cold glance. “Drive.”
For several days, Eliana spent time with the four guys, growing closer as they got to know each other. Her easygoing and straightforward nature made her fit right in.
They tried all sorts of activities in Dratora City, from jungle karting and racing to surfing.
As word spread, people in Dratora City were surprised to hear that the four well–known young men had a girl in their group.
Initially. Lucy and the others were worried that Eliana might not adjust well to the city. But seeing her quickly bond with Thomas and the others reassured them.
The day before the freshmen’s training session, Lucy visited Eliana’s room. “Eliana, 1 heard this training session takes place in the jungle. If it gets
tough, just let me know, and you can skip it.”
“The freshmen’s training session was a requirement at Isonstead University and was known for being tough.
Lucy was concerned about Eliana facing hardship. Given Sebastian’s position on the university board, arranging an exception for Eliana would be
casy.
“Mom, don’t worry. I can handle it, Eliana reassured her.
“But you
were in a car accident before. I’m worried. Lucy began.
“Mom, it’s fine. I promise, if it gets too hard, I’ll let you know, okay?” Eliana sald with a smile,
Lucy sighed. “Alright, just don’t push yourself too hard.
Eliana was their pride and joy. They didn’t want her to suffer at all.
With her family’s resources, Eliana could attend picking the school.
any
school she wanted in the
in the world. It was about the school choosing her–it was always her
“Mom, it’s getting late. You should head to bed. Look at yo must be killing you” Elina said, her tone soft but concerned.
at you–dark circles under your eyes. Haven’t been sleeping well, huh? Theater rehearsals
The theater was gearing up
p for a major production to be broadcast on multiple TV channels.
As one of the pillars of the company, Lucy had a mountain of responsibilities. But hearing her daughter’s concern gave her a much–needed boost even though she was bone–tired
“It’s nothing, really. All this effort is worth it for the show. Alright, enough about me. You should get some sleep too–school’s waiting for you tomorrow, Lucy replied with a reassuring smile.
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“Alright, Mom” Eliana walked Lucy out of the room and gently closed the door behind her.
As she turned back, her phone lit up on the bed. A message from her group chat, aptly named “My Fair Weather Friends“, popped up on the screen.
Thomas: [Eliana, tomorrow’s training is at Mount Saber. It’s gonna be 97 degrees under the blazing sun. You sure you can handle it?]
