Chapter 430
Chapter 430:
Janice looked up at Carlton, offered a courteous nod, and returned to her reading. Her calm detachment only deepened Carlton’s interest, stirring his curiosity.
While Demi busied herself pouring coffee, Zoie’s message popped up on her phone. Reading about the talent segment, Demi felt a surge of panic.
“What am I supposed to do? I don’t have any talent!”
As Demi fidgeted anxiously, Carlton’s voice from the living room made her heart sink even further.
“Hi, I’m Carlton Patterson.”
“Janice Edwards. Nice to meet you.”
“I noticed you were reading. Was it a novel?”
“Yes, just skimming through.”
Hearing their brief conversation sent a surge of alarm through Demi. Carlton striking up a conversation with Janice was unthinkable! Her goal was to dominate the male guests’ attention and become the star of the show. No one was going to outshine her.
“Oh no!” Demi cried sharply, letting the cup slip from her grasp.
“What’s wrong?” Carlton burst into the kitchen and found Demi crouched on the floor, surrounded by broken cup shards.
“I’m sorry, the coffee was too hot, and it slipped,” Demi explained, her voice tinged with regret. Her expression was so pitiful it was difficult not to sympathize.
With a frown of concern, Carlton quickly helped her to her feet. He checked her hands carefully, relieved to find them slightly red but not badly hurt.
“Thank goodness it’s nothing serious. I’d hate to feel responsible.”
Demi shook her head, her smile bright and carefree. “It’s not your fault. I’m just a bit clumsy today.”
“Oh, right!” She turned, filled another cup with coffee, and handed it to Carlton.
Holding the cup, Carlton felt a mix of pity and admiration. To him, Demi seemed genuinely kind-hearted and endearing.
Janice watched the scene unfold, noticing a quick flash of cunning in Demi’s eyes. She knew that look all too well. It reminded her of Delilah. Were these women skilled only at playing the victim and acting helpless?
Janice sighed to herself. If not for the chance to get closer to Stephen, she would never have joined a dating reality show. Who could predict the quirky characters she’d meet?
“Janice, do you know where the first-aid kit is?” Carlton and Demi appeared from the kitchen, Demi following him like a loyal puppy, utterly charming.
“In the second drawer of that cabinet,” Janice replied.
Carlton retrieved the first-aid kit from the drawer. “Janice, you’re incredible! You know this place so well, I almost thought you lived here.”
Janice just smiled and went back to her book.
“Demi, let’s get this cleaned up.”
Carlton began treating Demi’s hands with ointment.
“Thank you,” Demi said, her eyes glowing with gratitude as she watched him.
Carlton was handsome and considerate, making him the ideal partner to boost her profile on the show. With reality shows like Love Lab, strong connections between guests often led to viral fame. Carlton was just the ally she needed.
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