Chapter 258 The Bait Plan

Amelia's POV:

Luke remained silent briefly, then spoke resolutely. "I completely understand, honey. But I'm still coming personally. I'll keep it low-key, won't interfere with filming. Meanwhile, Daniel's already investigating Mark's background and motives."

I didn't try to dissuade Luke. That dangerous gleam in Mark's eyes suggested this went beyond professional jealousy to something potentially more sinister. Knowing Luke would be nearby provided immense comfort.

"Thank you," I said softly. "I'll stay alert and try to draw out his real intentions. Let's see what game he's playing."

In the dining hall, Troy entered the room with his production clipboard. "Tonight's our special event, everyone! The 'Midnight Treasure Hunt'! Each contestant will search the farm independently for hidden clues."

I felt my body tense slightly. This was the perfect opportunity to expose Mark's true intentions. My eyes scanned the room briefly and caught Mark glancing my way. When our eyes met, he quickly put on a friendly smile and gave me a casual wave, but I could see the calculation behind his seemingly innocent gesture.

Regina leaned close to me and whispered, "Sounds suspicious, especially after what happened this morning. You're not actually going to participate, are you?"

I gave her a light smile. "Actually, I think it's exactly what I need to do."

Regina's eyes widened. "Are you crazy? That guy nearly made you fall off your horse this morning!"

"Trust me," I whispered back. "I'm not going in blind. I'll explain later."

At 3:30 PM, I paced around my hillside cabin, mapping out a plan in my head. I carefully reviewed the farm layout I'd explored over the past two days.

Half an hour later, a soft knock on my door startled me.

"Who is it?" I called out, instinctively reaching for my phone.

"It's me," came Luke's familiar voice.

I quickly opened the door, and Luke immediately pulled me into a tight embrace, his body tense with worry.

"Are you okay?" he asked, pulling back to examine my face.

"I'm fine," I assured him, guiding him inside and closing the door. "How did you get here so fast?"

"Helicopter," he answered simply. "I brought Daniel and two security professionals. They're setting up around the farm, keeping a low profile. The production crew thinks they're scouting for another show."

I nodded, impressed and touched by his efficiency. "There's an activity tonight—a 'Midnight Treasure Hunt.' Contestants search alone in the dark."

Luke's jaw tightened. "Perfect opportunity for him to make his move. You can't participate."

"Actually, I want to participate," I said firmly, "but not the way Mark expects."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "What are you thinking?"

I sat on the edge of the bed, gesturing for him to join me. "Mark's been brewing something since he arrived. I want to draw him out, get him to expose his real plan. This treasure hunt is the perfect chance to set our own trap."

Luke listened intently as I explained my plan in detail.

"It's risky," he finally said, "but I have to admit it's clever. My security team can be stationed discreetly along the route."

"I'll wear recording equipment," I added. "If he makes any move or says anything incriminating, we'll have it on record."

Luke frowned. "Daniel's uncovered some information. Mark's relationship with Cassidy Spencer is more than professional. They appear to be lovers, and quite serious."

I raised my eyebrows. "Cassidy? The one who tried to throw a drink on me at the gala?"

"The very one. According to Daniel's sources, she's been harboring resentment about you getting the ballet film role she thought should be hers. She studied ballet for years, and you won the role after just two months of training. Mark seems fiercely loyal to her, possibly seeking some form of revenge on her behalf."

"That makes sense," I nodded. "I'll probe in that direction during our conversation tonight. If I can get him to admit his relationship with Cassidy and her grudge against me, we'll have stronger evidence."

Luke nodded slowly. "I don't like using you as bait, but I understand why you want to do this. Just promise you'll abort the mission at the first sign of danger."

I squeezed his hand. "I promise. I'm not taking risks, Luke. I'm being strategic."

His fingers tightened around mine. "You know, that's one of the reasons I love you. Your mind is always three steps ahead."

As we finalized the details, I felt a strange calm. Whatever game Mark was playing, it would end tonight.

At 11:30 PM, all contestants gathered for final instructions before the treasure hunt began.

"Everyone will have different starting points," Troy explained, handing out sealed envelopes. "Your first clue will lead you to your first checkpoint, where you'll find your second clue, and so on. There are five checkpoints in total. Remember, this is an individual challenge—no teamwork allowed."

I opened my envelope. The apple orchard was my starting point—unsurprisingly, one of the most remote areas of the farm.

Regina squeezed my arm. "Be careful."

"Don't worry," I whispered back. "I have backup."

At midnight, a horn sounded and all contestants headed to their starting points. I walked confidently toward the apple orchard, reassured by the weight of the recording device hidden in my jacket pocket.

The night was clear but moonless, making the farm paths unusually dark. My flashlight beam cut into the shadows as I reached the orchard and found my first clue inside a hollow tree trunk.

"Where chickens rest their heads, the next clue waits beneath the red," it read.

I understood it referred to the chicken coop and started heading in that direction, alert for any unusual sounds. According to plan, Luke and his team would be tracking my movements from a distance, communicating via earpieces.

Twenty minutes later, on my way to the chicken coop, I heard leaves rustling behind me. I deliberately slowed my pace, giving my follower an opportunity to make his move.

At the coop, I found the next clue inside a red feed bucket.

"Old tractor shed holds secrets untold. Look high, not low, for treasure worth more than gold."

The tractor shed was at the far end of the farm, requiring a trek through a wooded area. A perfect ambush spot. I deliberately chose the most obvious path, making myself an easy target.

Halfway through the woods, I heard footsteps crunching leaves behind me. They weren't even trying to stay quiet anymore. I continued walking, pretending not to notice.

"Amelia?" Mark's voice called out. "Is that you up ahead?"