CHAPTER 5 XANDER’S FURY

Marai helplessly gestured for the two men to sit down, and they exchanged glances, smiling and looking flustered, staring at each other. "Have you thought it through? Do you really want to go for outdoor survival? The director of that program is like the devil; contestants often get injured, and the environment is harsh. Why go through such hardships when you have money to spend?" Xander spoke to Marai tenderly, as if she were a child, and he feared she might suffer harm. Stephen glared at Xander and said, "Watch your tone. Stop talking to her like she is your girlfriend!" Maria sipped the spicy Hawaiian-flavored drink from her tall glass and leaned back casually, feeling satisfied after the meal. She looked like a well-fed beast, basking in the sunlight with smooth fur. At first glance, she seemed like a cute little kitten. Setting down her glass, Marai's emerald green eyes radiated a deep tranquility in the light, evoking the Queen of Delvia's expensive 17th-century emerald ring. Marai smirked, "Of course, I want to go. It will be fun, and I haven’t done anything that is fun in a while." Stephen was also concerned about his distant cousin's safety and said, "There's been a romance reality show on Love Bowls recently. Have you considered that? It will be good, and there will be a twist this season." Marai casually shrugged, “No, that’s too boring and full of pretense." Living in a mansion, driving luxury cars, and sunbathing with various types of sexy men on the beach wasn't that much better than struggling to survive on an island like a savage? The men pondered. Stephen glanced at Xander. "Do you two really want to go? You'll have to sign a liability waiver before going, and if something happens, you're on your own. You both have money, so why take such risks? It could lead to serious injuries or death." Stephen said it with wide eyes. “What is life without little risks?” Marai asked, smiling with lazy eyes. Xander smiled faintly, sitting back in his chair with impeccable posture, his long legs crossed, dressed in stylish new spring attire, exuding an elegant and noble air like a medieval nobleman. "Why not? "I've done everything else in life; I've explored different industries, and I've only left out adventurous and survival activities." Xander smiled brightly again, looking at Catherine. "And since Marai loves it and really wants to do it, of course we're going together!" Xander shrugged, and Marai nodded in agreement, while Stephen shook his head. “Hm.. okay then,” Stephen said. Although Stephen and Xander were similar in age and both belonged to the Delvia aristocracy with some family connections, it was normal for them to have different world views. Stephen sighed; he couldn't understand Xander’s way of thinking. Xander's phone vibrated, and he glanced at it; it was his manager. Knowing that his manager wouldn't call during his off-hours unless it was important, Xander gave Stephen and Marai an apologetic look, excused himself, and then answered the call. 　　 "The paparazzi captured photos of you and Miss Marai hugging.". The online reaction isn't good. How do you plan to handle it?" Robert, Xander's older brother, arranged for Xander's manager to be appointed. Therefore, the manager knew Marai's identity and understood how much Xander valued her because she was Stephen’s distant cousin; hence, she was part of the family, so before making a decision, he called Xander. After listening to the situation, Xander calmly said a few words and hung up the phone, then sent a message to a few people before putting down his phone. "What happened?" Stephen asked. "No, it’s nothing so important," Xander smiled. "Some business matters have affected Marai." I'm really sorry about that." Xander apologized sincerely. Marai looked at Xander's seemingly casual smile and smiled gently. “No problem; I’m not bothered about it,” Maria replied. Xander was a star who had willingly given up the fight for the family business, but his family stood by him. 　　 Martins family. 　　 Jordan sat on the white leather sofa in Selina's room, disdainfully saying, "No wonder she dared to run away from home. It turns out she found a sugar daddy." “She is such a whore.” 　　 Messages flooded his phone screen, all of them cursing Marai and expressing disbelief and outrage at the situation. Selina paused for a moment, then gave a helpless and gentle smile, "Don't say that. "Sister must be short on pocket money; she must have her own difficulties; it's just that I didn't pay enough attention to her." “Had I known that she needed money, I’d have sent it to her; I don’t know why she had to do this; well, it is fine; I am not judging her.” Selina continued; she tightly grasped the tribal-themed throw pillow beside her, wrinkling the brightly colored fabric. "What difficulties could she have? "If she can't get money from our Martins family, she just goes out and finds a man to ask for it." Jordan sneered. Then he said strangely, "Sister, besides having a slightly better figure, what else does she have? She has a bad attitude and is not worth any attention. How did Xander fall for her?" Jordan didn't know that Selina had previously appeared in a music video with Xander as a guest star and during the filming process, Xander was polite and courteous, his handsome face filled with affection, making Selina, who already liked him, extremely shy and she thought he liked her back and was interested in her. However, Xander became very cold after the job ended, and Selina's attempts to talk to him met with only a nonchalant nod. Afterwards, Selina's management company planned to create some rumors to increase Selina's popularity through integrated marketing. 　　 But before they could even buy a few trending topics, Xander's company sent staff to demand that they stop this behavior, threatening to terminate the partnership and pursue compensation for breach of contract if they didn't stop their plans. To avoid paying millions of dollars in damages, they stopped instantly and never spoke of it again. As soon as Jordan said this, Selina's smile stiffened. What did he mean? She thought. Did Xander dislike me because my figure wasn't as good as Marai's? For over five years, Xander has sparked no rumors in the chaotic world of light-wave entertainment. Could he really have fallen for Marai this time? These thoughts occupied Selina’s mind, and immediately Selina's heart grew heavy with envy again. Her expression remained calm, and dressed in a simple and elegant white dress, she appeared like an angel. But on the inside, she was already planning to use the people from the Martins family to pressure Marai into giving up her feelings for Xander and to secure a marriage between herself and Xander. I'm so much better than Marai, and I believe Xander’s family wouldn't choose a woman with a lower education and rude manners. Selina thought they would definitely want a girl who could match their status and fill in as their home's lady. "Sister, don't let anyone play with you emotionally." The entertainment industry is so chaotic and full of scandals; just don't get hurt," Jordan said worriedly, looking up from his phone. "Sister, you're too kind. I'm still worried about her. Now that our family is exposed online, they must think we don’t have proper manners. Father must be very angry." Jordan continued. “It’s fine; we really don’t understand sister’s reasons,” Selina said pretentiously. 　　 Coincidentally, as soon as Jordan finished speaking, Abel called. "Young Master, Miss, it's a call from the Master." The maid approached softly and bowed slightly. "Selina, is Jordan at home?" Abel asked roughly. After receiving an affirmative answer, a voice full of suppressed anger came from the phone. The chill in that voice made Jordan shiver. "Take Jordan and the bodyguards home, then go find Marai and bring her back!" Abel's teeth were chattering with anger. "How dare she cause such a commotion on the internet and let people talk about it? Unacceptable! Once you bring her back, make sure she doesn't leave the house! He yelled, "Keep a close watch on her!"