After the breakfast spread was replenished with more edible fare, Ivy Green could hardly muster the energy to eat. Her taste buds, assaulted by the earlier charred disaster, now made even the smell of food turn her stomach. Like a neglected puppy, she sat watching the others eat.
Annie Lin grinned. "Looks like Miss Stone's cooking outshone that of Europe's Tea House's top chef—our Ivy was ravenous earlier but suddenly can't take another bite."
Still catching her breath from the ordeal, Ivy squeezed out a sweet smile, her eyes misty. "That breakfast was cooked with Kate's care, something you can't buy. If only my stomach were bigger, I'd have eaten it all."
Fans who knew Ivy's usual appetite realized how bad it must've been—if her manager hadn't kept an eye on her, Ivy would eat straight from a bowl. It must have been a trial for her to finish even half a bowl.
Kate sat by, perfectly composed, silently finishing her meal. Only after setting down her fork did she finally murmur, "I'll cook for you again sometime."
The light in Ivy's eyes seemed to fade instantly, though she forced a cheerful smile. "Then I must be the luckiest person alive."
Sophia Snow tried to stifle her laughter, nearly choking on her food. It was hard not to think that Kate, in her own subtle way, enjoyed teasing the younger Ivy. The poised persona Sophia had heard about was giving way to something more complex. After all, on the first day, she had refused to film if the schedule didn't suit her, making her seem aloof. Yet, over time, her thoughtful gestures came through.
Just then, right on cue, the villa door buzzed. Leon Collins and Ethan Grant walked in.
Ethan immediately started chattering, "Lucas and Matthew were suddenly called back to the set for a retake. So, it's just me and Leon today—like rare sightings!"
Ethan's serious and enigmatic looks gave him the appeal of a mysterious heartthrob—until he started talking.
Ivy's gaze went straight to the bottle of yogurt in Ethan's hand, not even sparing him a glance. She pointed directly to it and asked, "Can I have that?"
"Of course! I'm a walking snack cupboard! Drink up!" Ethan chuckled, popping a straw into the bottle and passing it to her.
"Thank you," Ivy sighed gratefully, gulping down the yogurt. Ethan was her savior; the lingering taste of charcoal from Kate's pasta had haunted her stomach since breakfast.
Kate glanced over, taking the single-seat farthest from Ivy.
Ethan, having completed his yogurt distribution duties, slid onto the couch beside Ivy, nudging her elbow. "So, remember that date I get to arrange? I was thinking of inviting Kate. What do you think?"
Ivy shook her head with a mysterious air.
"Why not?" Ethan looked baffled, though his eyes gleamed with gratitude. "You're worried about fans unfollowing? You're too thoughtful, really!"
Ivy shook her head again. "That's not it."
Well, there went his chance to be moved. Ethan scratched his head. "Then what's the reason?"
Having never dated herself, Ivy replied with surprising authority. "You've got to play it cool. Make her wonder about you a bit."
Ethan's face lit up. "I remember my trainer saying the same—keep just enough distance with fans so they stay curious. But it's Kate we're talking about! How could I possibly play it cool?"
Ivy raised a finger, wagging it from side to side. "No, no, no. Precisely because it's her! She has admirers everywhere. Everyone's fawning over her. Show her you're different. Play aloof. Stir a little jealousy by hanging out with someone else."
Ethan mulled it over, finding merit in her logic. "You're right; no one admires the groveler."
"See? You're a quick study!" Ivy patted his shoulder approvingly, like a wise tutor watching her protégé.
Ethan beamed. "But I can't waste this date! Maybe I'll take you on it."
Ivy choked, waving her hands frantically. "Not me. I'm still a kid. Ask someone else!"
Ethan thought aloud, "You're right—us dating would just look like child's play. Kate wouldn't even be jealous." Scanning the room, he leaned closer to Ivy and whispered, "How about Annie? She might even throw down over me!"
Ivy poked his delusion. "Confidence is nice, but let's keep our dreams grounded."
Ethan feigned a broken heart. "Woman, you're different. Most just say I'm handsome and want to… yeah."
From anyone else, this would sound sleazy, but from Ethan, it was almost laughable—like a child impersonating a grand seducer.
Ivy glanced at him with the kind of expression you'd give a lovable fool. There's no way Kate could be into someone so ridiculous, she thought with relief.
Just then, without waiting, Ethan strode over to Annie and invited her on a date. He felt Kate's eyes following him the entire way and couldn't help but puff up. Thanks, Ivy; you really are the best wingwoman!
Without Ethan's constant prattle, Ivy felt a bit bored. She glanced around and noticed Kate looking her way. Brightening, Ivy flashed her best sunny smile—only for Kate to turn away abruptly, looking as stern as ever.
Maybe Kate's in a bad mood today? Ivy thought.
A lightbulb moment hit her. Kate doesn't like me calling her "Miss Stone," does she? I'll call her "Kate" from now on. What a clever idea!
Meanwhile, Leon took a seat beside Kate. "Any idea who you'll pick for your first date?" he asked.
Leon had worked with Kate on several projects and was comfortable with her. Though he'd once harbored feelings for her, he knew better. He'd had enough experience to realize that Kate Stone wasn't someone who would be easily swayed. Some things, he'd learned, were best left admired from afar.
"Not interested," Kate replied.
Leon chuckled. "Sounds like you."
Watching them talk so easily, Ivy's inner alarm went off. Leon Collins, poised and accomplished, seemed her brother's greatest rival for Kate's affections. Ivy scurried over, stopping right in front of Kate. "Kate, do you have a date in mind?" she asked, echoing Leon's question.
Kate glanced at her coolly. "I'm not telling you."
Beside them, Leon seemed oddly left out, receiving a curt response of only two words compared to Ivy's full four.
Ivy got the sense that Kate's tone and gaze were unusually cold today—distinct from her usual reserved demeanor. The warmth, or at least the faint glow, had vanished. Could it be that Kate wants to date Leon? Ivy wondered, disheartened.
"Any other questions?" Kate asked, breaking Ivy's reverie.
"No, that's it." Ivy decided she could save her questions for later that evening.
She would convince Kate to go on the date with someone else—she was sure of it! But who would she pick? None of the choices seemed perfect. In hindsight, maybe it would've been better if she'd lost the race instead.
Lost in her thoughts, Ivy drifted off.
Annie noticed her dazed look and asked, "Ivy, are you alright?"
Snapping back, Ivy sighed, "Annie, do you think Kate's been acting strange today? She seems… moody."
"Kate always keeps her cool, doesn't she?" Annie replied.
Ivy pursed her lips. "I suppose…"
Just as Annie reached out to pinch her cheek, Sophia grabbed her hand, nearly twisting her finger.
"What's your problem?" Annie seethed.
"What's yours?" Sophia shot back. "Are you out of your mind agreeing to a date with Ethan? His fans have terrorized every co-star! You'd be better off dating me!"
Ivy overheard and perked up. Wait, I could arrange my own date too!
Her gaze flitted from Leon to Kate before she took a deep breath and hurried over to Kate. "Kate," she announced, "I'd like to invite you on a date. Is that alright?"