Chapter 257 Dangerous Ride
Amelia's POV:
"I have two five-year-olds at home," I laughed. "Trust me, this is easier than dealing with their toy chaos."
Mark wandered into my work area, smiling. "Need any help? Your technique is impressive."
"I'm fine, thanks," I replied politely but firmly.
During lunch at noon in the farm cafeteria, contestants shared stories from the morning's activities. Mark sat directly across from me.
"You seem to adapt well here, unlike other actresses who are more... delicate," he remarked.
Regina raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean? That I'm delicate?"
"Sorry if I offended you," Mark backpedaled quickly. "I just admire Amelia so much. I've been watching her work recently."
Regina was visibly annoyed by Mark's obvious attempt to drive a wedge between us. I remained cautious.
"Thanks. Have you been in anything I might have seen?" I asked.
Mark's expression shifted subtly, a shadow crossing his eyes. "Mostly independent productions. Nothing mainstream."
At 2:00 PM, the production team announced our first team challenge: harvesting corn and transporting it to the barn. Teams were randomly assigned, placing me with Regina, Mark, and the basketball star Victor.
Mark immediately suggested, "Amelia and I can handle the harvesting, while you two manage transportation. Sound good?"
"How about Amelia and I work together, and you guys handle the heavy lifting?" Regina countered.
"Regina's right," I agreed. "That division makes more sense."
Mark reluctantly agreed, though his displeasure was evident.
By 5:00 PM, the challenge ended with Regina and I working efficiently together, winning today's team reward.
"I've noticed Mark staring at you constantly," Regina said privately. "Did you know him before?"
"We worked together before on a light comedy, then my husband warned me about him. I'm keeping my distance."
Regina frowned. "Trust your instincts. I'll keep an eye out too."
During dinner at 7:00 PM, Mark began discussing industry gossip.
"Do you know how some actors really get their roles?" he asked pointedly, looking in my direction.
I remained composed. "Every successful actor faces countless rejections and setbacks. True talent takes time to prove itself."
Social media star Jade turned to me curiously. "How did you go from unknown to award-winning? There must be some secret, right?"
"No shortcuts," I answered honestly. "Just hard work combined with luck. And finding projects you truly love."
At 9:00 PM in the lounge area, Mark approached me.
"The night sky here is beautiful. Want to see it from a perfect spot I found?"
"Thanks for the invitation," I declined firmly but politely, "but I'm turning in early. More challenges await tomorrow."
Mark accepted with apparent ease. "Of course, I understand. Maybe another time."
As he walked away, I caught a flash of dissatisfaction in his eyes.
At 10:30 PM, I found a spot with cell reception on the hill near my cabin to call Luke.
"Everything's fine, but you were right about Mark. He's behaving strangely. I'm staying vigilant."
Luke's voice carried worry. "Contact farm security immediately if anything seems off."
"I will," I promised. "Don't worry too much. I can handle this. Regina's also keeping watch."
After ending the call, I sensed someone nearby but saw nothing when I looked around. I quickly returned to my cabin, ensuring all windows and doors were locked.
At 11:45 PM, lying in bed, I reviewed the day's events, recording Mark's suspicious behavior in my notebook.
"Motives unclear but obviously not friendly. Continue observing, maintain distance."
A noise outside my window startled me. I stared alertly at the glass pane. Moments later, an owl flew past, and I exhaled with relief. After checking the locks once more, I attempted to sleep, preparing for tomorrow's challenges.
I awoke at 5:00 AM to discover footprints outside my cabin window. Unable to determine who had left them, I photographed the evidence and reported it to the farm manager.
"Probably just wildlife," Randy assured me, "but we'll increase night patrols."
By 6:00 AM, all contestants gathered for breakfast, discussing today's activities.
"Today's main challenge is horseback riding around the farm, completing tasks at various checkpoints!" Troy announced.
"We should work in pairs," Mark suggested immediately. "I think Amelia and I would make great partners. You might need help if your horse gets difficult to handle," he added with a show of concern that didn't reach his eyes.
"Have you forgotten I played a knight in that historical drama?" I replied coolly. "I definitely know how to ride."
"I'd prefer to team with Regina," I continued. "We worked well together yesterday."
"That's right, we already planned it," Regina confirmed.
Mark smiled tightly. "Sure, whatever you prefer."
At 8:00 AM in the stables, contestants received basic riding instructions. The stable manager seemed surprised by my competence.
"Have you ridden before?"
I nodded. "I trained extensively for my role in that historical drama. Nothing professional though."
"Our star seems to know a little bit of everything. Impressive," Mark commented from nearby.
Regina positioned herself protectively beside me. "Some people use their spare time learning new skills, others use it to pry into people's privacy."
The challenge officially began at 9:30 AM, with riders heading toward the first checkpoint. Regina and I maintained a leading position, demonstrating excellent teamwork.
While passing through a narrow mountain path, Mark accelerated toward us.
"Make way! Professional coming through!" he shouted, deliberately moving close to my horse.
My mount became agitated, growing increasingly restless.
At a sharp turn on the path at 9:40 AM, Mark's horse suddenly approached mine, making threatening sounds. My horse reared in panic, creating a dangerous situation.
I maintained my composure, steadying myself and softly calming my mount. "Shh, it's okay, good girl..."
I skillfully controlled the reins until my horse gradually settled.
"What kind of dangerous move was that?" Regina glared at Mark.
"Sorry, my horse was difficult to control," Mark feigned surprise. "Are you alright, Amelia?"
"Your horse looks perfectly obedient," I replied sharply. "Perhaps the issue is with the rider?"
By noon at the lakeside checkpoint, all contestants stopped for rest.
"That was definitely deliberate," Regina whispered. "I saw it clearly."
I frowned with concern. "This goes beyond competition. I need to contact Luke."
Finding a spot with cell reception under the pretense of checking my equipment, I called Luke.
"Luke, something's happened," I explained in a hushed voice, detailing the riding incident. "Mark clearly tried to frighten my horse intentionally. This wasn't an accident. There was something... chilling in his eyes. I'd like you to send some security guards to protect me discreetly."
Luke's voice immediately tensed. "I'll arrange it now, but I want to come personally. Given the circumstances, are you sure you don't want to quit the show?"
I took a deep breath, recalling that cold, calculating look in Mark's eyes—not just mischief, but something with genuinely harmful intent. For a moment, I considered withdrawing, but then shook my head.
"If I quit now," I stated firmly, "the production will suffer enormous losses, and everyone will think I'm overreacting. Entertainment media will portray me as a high-maintenance, paranoid troublemaker." I paused, my voice growing more determined. "I need evidence, need to expose whatever he's planning. If this show ultimately can't continue, at least I won't take the blame."