Chapter 18

Author “Lorelei? You're quite the drama queen, aren't you?” Winnie flipped her hair with a flourish as she strutted forward, hips swaying like she was walking a red carpet, not a jungle dock. Her voice was sugarcoated just enough to sound polite—only for the cameras, clearly. “I actually did my homework before coming here,” she said, tone laced with condescension. “Checked the forecast, had my brother call the meteorological bureau—twice. They confirmed it. No storms. No wind. No earthquakes. Just sunshine and good ratings.” She pulled out her phone like it was a mic drop. “Here. From the bureau. Clear. Skies.” She shoved the screen toward Director Darren, who blinked as the camera crew zoomed in eagerly. Before Darren could respond, Lorelei finally spoke—calm, cool, and sharp enough to cut glass. “Weather changes fast. So do people—especially when the cameras are rolling.” The words hung in the air like smoke, curling around the tension. Winnie's smile twitched. Darren cleared his thr