Chapter 446

Chapter 446:

By some twist of fate—it was him.

“Janice, please, show us the number,” the chef said, motioning with impatience.

Janice nodded and opened her hand, displaying the number.

The audience gasped in surprise; the number was entirely unexpected.

“Well, it looks like my luck isn’t the best,” Kenneth exclaimed, shaking his head while managing a smile tinged with defeat but also a playful undertone. “At least you’re not the one paired with Janice. That’s a small consolation for me.”

At Kenneth’s teasing, Aiden’s expression soured. His gaze remained intently on the number in Janice’s hand, wishing it would magically turn into number 5. Why was it number 1? And the number 1 was none other than Stephen.

Even though Aiden knew that Janice had joined the show primarily to watch Stephen closely and understand his true character, he still couldn’t shake off a surge of jealousy, a bitter feeling brewing inside him.

At that moment, Stephen glanced at Janice, his face showing his surprise at the pairing.

Janice turned to him and offered a warm, friendly smile that seemed unusually genuine.

Stephen was briefly taken by surprise, as if he recognized that smile from somewhere else. Who else but Janice could offer such a sincere and heartfelt smile?

Unlike Wendy or Leonie, whose smiles always seemed to hold an ulterior motive, Janice’s smile was as genuine as those from his own family.

“Stephen, I’m glad to be paired with you.” Janice stepped forward and greeted him warmly.

Coming back to his senses, Stephen nodded. “I feel the same way.”

Their exchange remained polite and brief, with both keeping a respectful distance as Stephen’s fans cheered wildly.

“Stephen is such a gentleman! Most men would seize the chance to talk more with such a beauty, but Stephen knows where to draw the line. He never oversteps.”

“Do you think Stephen just got his fame from acting alone? His interpersonal skills play a big part too. Such high honors are not easily achieved.”

“Have you noticed how similar Stephen and this young woman look? They both have striking features, but oddly enough, they could pass for siblings.”

“Absolutely! I had the exact same thought!”

Leah saw the online chatter. She and Prescott exchanged looks, both noting the surprise in the other’s expression. It was evident that Janice had come on the show specifically because of Stephen.

“Leah, Janice once had me look into the White family. Now, Stephen shares that last name. Could it mean…?” Prescott speculated.

“Let’s not leap to conclusions. There must be a reason Janice hasn’t shared more with us. We’ll see how things unfold.”

“Understood.”

Leah’s gaze then turned to Leonidas.

If Leonidas discovered the connection between Stephen and Janice, he might target Stephen. And that would leave Janice exposed. Even though she might handle Leonidas, having this vulnerability could cause her to waver.

“Prescott, I need you to dig deep into Stephen’s background.”

“Will do!”

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