The next few days blurred into a cyclone of cameras, contracts, and curated chaos.
Lina was booked for a fashion feature in Seoul, a sponsorship deal in Bangkok, and a surprise invitation to a global talk show panel about "rising women in media." Her manager, Sora, barely slept.
"Your feed engagement just tripled," she said, voice hoarse. "Do you want to push another lookbook or save your face for the perfume launch?"
Lina blinked at her, mid-makeup. "I haven't even had breakfast."
"Your face has, though."
---
Kael returned from Geneva that afternoon.
He didn't text. Didn't call.
Just appeared.
Lina opened her apartment door to find him standing there in a dark coat, holding a small bag and a box of strawberries.
"I come bearing peace offerings," he said.
"Are you peace?"
"I'm what peace hires when it's tired."
She laughed and stepped aside. "Come in."
He scanned her apartment slowly.
"Nice place," he said.
"Thanks. Still haven't figured out how I got approved for the lease."
Kael gave her a sideways look. "You really think I didn't rig the approval?"
She stared at him.
"…You did?"
"You needed a safe space. The neighborhood has three security layers and a direct line to my office."
She folded her arms. "I could've handled it myself."
"I know," he said. "But I wanted to help before you asked."
Something in her chest softened—and twisted.
Because she didn't know what scared her more: people who hurt her…
Or people who genuinely cared.
---
That night, as the two of them shared strawberries and silence on her couch, Kael said something that caught her breath mid-laugh.
"My grandmother wants to meet you."
Lina blinked. "What?"
"She's been watching your interviews. Says you're 'too pretty to be emotionally stable.'"
"…That's not a compliment."
"It is in her world."
Lina turned away. "I don't do family meetings."
"Neither do I," Kael said quietly. "But she's different. You might like her."
Lina didn't reply. But her fingers trembled slightly as she reached for another berry.
---
The following day, she stepped into another studio for a promo shoot—only to freeze halfway through wardrobe fitting.
Elle was there again. Smiling.
"I asked to be added," Elle said, crossing her arms. "Producers like me better."
Lina glanced at the camera crew. "Why? Need another round of losing to me on film?"
Elle's smile was all ice. "We'll see."
But just before the camera rolled, Elle leaned in and whispered, "Enjoy the spotlight. I'm about to switch it off."
---
Mid-shoot, Lina's lighting was sabotaged. Her makeup was tampered with. One of her outfits—custom fit—was suddenly too tight to breathe in.
> [System Alert: Sabotage Confirmed – External Interference Detected.]
Activating Emergency Calibration: Internal Balance Locked. Emotional Turbulence Reduced.
New Skill: "Public Poise – Rank I" Unlocked
Lina didn't flinch.
She adjusted her posture. Tilted her chin. Delivered a flawless series of expressions under flickering lights and too-heavy lashes.
When the director yelled "cut," the crew applauded.
Lina didn't look at Elle.
She didn't need to.
---
That evening, Alec sent her a DM.
> Alec: "I told you the wolves don't just howl. They bite."
> Lina: "Then I hope they know I'm not made of feathers."
---
[System Notice: "Threat Resistance" Skill Tree Unlocked]
Traits Developing: Self-Defense Instinct, Public Composure, Manipulation Immunity