Love in the Limelight (Astrid and Elio)
Chapter 481

"Check out this weed, it looks like that herb we tried before, but while that one had medicinal uses, this one is a slow poison."

"Whoa, slow poison?" Parrish yanked his hand back like he'd touched a hot stove and wrapped his arms around himself. "Astar, you're not saying there's some kind of instant-death poison lurking around here, are you? I'm too young to die!"

Astrid rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You've been watching too many of those period dramas. Sure, there are deadly plants out here, but relax, with me around, you won't bite the dust."

Parrish breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, that's a relief. I'm sticking to you like glue, Astar!"

Clyde chimed in, "Glue-sticking, count me in."

No sooner had they finished their exchange that they felt a piercing glare from the side.

Without turning, they knew it was Elio, burning with jealousy. Sharing a knowing glance, they quickly caught up with Odell and walked ahead together.

As night fell, the group found a spot that was barely sheltered from the elements and started a fire.

Joana plopped down on the ground and looked up, "Director, where are the tents? I'm ready to hit the hay."

Maddox replied with a calm that belied the bomb he was about to drop, "Before you came out here, I had your agents brief you on the survival situation. No tents, no food-you have to fend for yourselves. The only comforts we're providing are two chances to freshen up with a makeshift shower."

"Two showers in ten days? Director, aren't you pushing it a bit too far?" Joana's patience was wearing thin; she had kept a tight lid on her temper, but this was too much.

"The real survivalists don't get shower luxuries," Maddox retorted. "I added the shower service considering the fact that you're all celebrities and might struggle with the concept of not bathing for long stretches. If you can't handle it, you're welcome to drop out."

Joana fell silent. The others seemed unfazed, leaving Joana alone in her squabble with the crew.

When she finally snapped out of it, she realized everyone had vanished! Panic set in instantly.

Rushing to Maddox, she demanded, "Director, where did everyone go?"

"It's dinner time; they've gone foraging," Maddox explained simply.

Joana was speechless. The audience thought Joana would go looking for Astrid and the others, but instead, she just huddled closer to the fire, not showing the slightest interest in venturing out. Time ticked away, and there was still no sign of Astrid's return.

Starting to worry, Joana finally decided to grab a flashlight and go look for them.

The forest was eerily silent, and even with the camera crew beside her, she felt a shiver of fear. She began to chat with her online followers, "My agent told me I've been getting roasted online. Told me to put or a better show."

"But I can't keep faking who I am. This is me, and I just want to be real with everyone..."

As Joana rambled on, she suddenly heard a faint rustling nearby.

Startled, she clicked off her flashlight and ducked behind a large tree, signaling for the cameraman to stay quiet.

With memories of a snakebite incident on the last trip, she was on high alert.

If it was Astrid and the crew, there would be lights, but the noise she heard came from pitch darkness.

Now genuinely frightened, Joana whispered into her mic, "Director, I think I'm in danger. Send someone to save me, please!"