Chapter 125 Snatching the Fiancé

Chapter 125 Snatching the Fiancé

The late autumn sun still shone bright over the small coastal city, where the hit live travel show Beyond the Horizon was streaming in real time. Tens of millions of viewers packed the livestream, comments flying across the screen in endless waves. The show's unscripted, authentic feel had kept it at the top of the trending charts for years.

The guest lineup for this episode had already set the internet on fire. The graceful and universally likable Claire, paired with the easygoing and sunny Steven — the youngest son of the Smith family — had everyone saying they were a perfect match.

The filming location was nestled between mountains and sea, with cobblestone paths winding past oceanfront guesthouses. The whole vibe was relaxed and calming.

The guests had gotten along well in the earlier segments, and the livestream had been peaceful. No one saw it coming — a full-blown controversy was about to explode during the interview segment.

At the midpoint break, the host smiled and picked up the mic, asking the question that had flooded the comment section the most: "Our show has invited Mason four seasons in a row, and he's turned us down every single time. Today I want to ask Steven on behalf of our viewers — is there any chance Mason might show up as a surprise guest on our show someday?"

The camera locked onto Steven. The livestream audience was buzzing with curiosity about this wealthy figure.

Steven leaned back in his rattan chair, laughing helplessly and throwing up his hands. "Don't hold your breath, everyone. My brother is a total workaholic — no days off, ever. His schedule is already booked through the end of next year. Forget filming a variety show, he doesn't even have time for a personal vacation. There's zero chance he'll be on the show."

The audience responded with a wave of disappointment, and the topic seemed ready to move on quietly.

The details of the case had never been made public. Claire had no idea what had really happened with the Jones family — she only assumed that Emily had been pushed out by Ophelia.

No one expected Claire, who had been quiet the whole time, to suddenly jump in.

She turned slightly, her tone playful. "It's not just about being busy, honestly. Mason's got his mind on romance these days, so of course he's not thinking about variety shows."

That got everyone's attention. The host followed up right away: "Does that mean there's something new going on with Mason's love life? There are rumors online about a mysterious fiancée — is that actually true?"

Claire gave a knowing nod, like someone in the loop. "It's true. And I've always been close with Mason's fiancée — she's the heiress of the Jones family."

The livestream erupted. Viewers flooded the comments saying they were made for each other.

"Emily is such a pure-hearted person. She's only ever had Mason in her heart, all these years. Their families go way back, and the elders arranged the engagement long ago. Emily had always been happily planning her future with Mason — she just never expected..."

Claire paused, then shifted her tone. "Everything changed when a girl named Ophelia showed up."

"Ophelia went after Mason on her own, tore them apart, and stole the engagement that was always meant for Emily."

She furrowed her brow slightly, looking genuinely pained. "Emily was a complete mess during that time — sad every single day. Watching her like that, I just felt so bad for her. She didn't deserve any of it."

The comment section turned on Ophelia immediately.

Within two minutes, three hashtags shot to the top of the trending charts: #Ophelia Stole Ms. Jones's Fiancé, #Ophelia Schemed  Her Way In For Emily, and #Poor Ms. Jones. The topics crushed every other entertainment story by a massive margin.

Countless people who didn't know the truth poured out their anger. The comment section completely fell apart.

[Disgusting. Ophelia even had to steal Emily's childhood sweetheart fiancé. Who even is she?]

[I know her. She's a student at Harmony City University. She was already representing the school to host foreign delegations as a freshman. No wonder she gets such good opportunities — turns out she latched onto someone rich.]

[Does anyone have her photo? A friend of mine wants to see.]

Overnight, Ophelia became the target of everyone's hatred. The abuse spread across the entire internet.

Claire read through every comment attacking Ophelia, a quiet, hidden satisfaction in her eyes.

Just as the backlash was spiraling out of control and Ophelia was about to be completely destroyed in the court of public opinion, the show's official account dropped a bombshell announcement that instantly drowned out all the drama.

[ULTIMATE SURPRISE GUEST CONFIRMED! Global superstar David — fresh off his sold-out world tour — makes his exclusive first appearance back in the country on this episode of Beyond the Horizon!]

David was a genuine A-lister in the entertainment world, with fans across the globe and sold-out concert venues everywhere he went. Unlike other top stars who came across as cold and distant, he was funny, warm, and easy to be around — consistently one of the most well-liked public figures out there.

The moment the announcement dropped, the livestream's viewer count jumped by 20 million, smashing the show's all-time record. Fans and casual viewers alike rushed in, eager to catch his first appearance back home.

The thrum of a helicopter cut through the clear coastal sky. When it landed, David stepped out in a simple white casual outfit, walking toward the set with an easy, relaxed stride.

He wore his usual light smile, waving to crew members along the way, completely approachable.

"David, congratulations on wrapping up the tour, and welcome home!"

After the brief welcome, the host zeroed in on the hottest topic online and smiled as she asked the most direct question possible: "Right now the whole internet is in an uproar. Everyone's saying a girl named Ophelia went to extreme lengths to steal Ms. Jones's fiancé Mason, leaving Ms. Jones heartbroken for a long time. Since you're a member of the Jones family and know the full story, I'd like to ask on behalf of our viewers — is any of this actually true?"

The question landed, and tens of millions of viewers waited in silence for David's answer.

Claire kept a look of sympathy on her face, ready to speak up for Emily at any moment and win David over.

With everyone watching, David raised an eyebrow, smiled at the camera, and threw up his hands in mock defeat. "Well, this is quite the homecoming. I haven't even beaten the jet lag yet, and I'm already here to set the record straight? Sounds like the show swapped 'surprise' for 'shock.' If I'd known, I might not have come."

The lighthearted joke got the livestream going again. Once the mood settled, David dropped the smile.

"Since everyone's curious, I'll use this moment to clear things up for everyone watching, so people stop being misled by rumors. First, let me correct something: in the story you've all been hearing, Ophelia and Ms. Jones are the same person. My sister's full name is Ophelia Jones — just so everyone knows. Second, the person engaged to Mason has always been the heiress of the Jones family. There was no stealing anyone's fiancé."

Claire's jaw dropped. "But... but Emily is the Jones family heiress!"

"Ophelia is the Jones family heiress," David said with a calm smile. "As for the Emily you're referring to — she's simply my parents' adopted daughter. She hasn't been the Jones family heiress for some time now. The details aren't something we're able to share publicly, so there's no need for anyone to worry about her."

This was the version of events the family had agreed on. The Jones family had no intention of airing their old grievances in public.

"Ophelia is the Jones family heiress? No... that can't be right..." Claire couldn't bring herself to believe it.