Chapter 259 Mark Left the Show
Amelia's POV:
"You just—" he mumbled, his words slurred by the blood in his mouth.
"That's for you and Cassidy," I said, my voice cold and firm. "You thought you could destroy everything I've built with your underhanded tactics? I fought my way up from nothing to get where I am today, not to be torn down by people like you who rely on connections and dirty tricks. I earned that role through talent, something Cassidy will never understand."
I stepped forward, my gaze sharp as a knife. "Tell Cassidy that next time she wants a role, she should try improving her acting skills instead of sending someone to threaten me. Maybe then she won't need to rely on her mother's reputation."
Daniel moved forward, grabbing Mark's arm. "Time to go. You can pack your things and explain to the producers why you're leaving."
As they led Mark away, I exhaled a shaky breath. Luke immediately pulled me into his arms.
"Are you okay?" he whispered against my hair.
I nodded against his chest. "I am now. Though I think I just added 'knocking out a man's tooth' to my resume."
He chuckled softly. "Remind me never to truly anger you."
"That was never a risk," I answered, looking up at him with a smile. "You're nothing like him."
Luke brushed a strand of hair from my face, his expression softening. "Let's go back to your cabin. The treasure hunt can continue without you."
I shook my head. "Actually, I want to finish it. After all this drama, I need a simple challenge with a clear beginning and end."
He studied my face for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But I'm coming with you."
"The rules say no teamwork allowed," I reminded him with a smile.
"I'm not a contestant," he countered. "Just a very concerned husband."
At 1:30 AM, Luke and I returned to the farmhouse with the final "treasure"—a golden horseshoe. Most of the other contestants had already completed their hunts. Regina rushed over when she spotted me.
"Where have you been?" she asked urgently. "And why is Luke here? Not that I'm complaining," she added, flashing a quick smile at Luke.
"It's a long story," I told her, "but the short version is that Mark left the show due to... a personal emergency."
Regina's eyes widened with understanding. "That's good. Though Troy's been freaking out, not knowing how to reorganize the challenges with one fewer contestant."
"They can simply reduce the number of challengers," Luke said. "I'm just here to accompany Amelia through the rest of the filming. The production team can rearrange the activities."
Troy, overhearing this, approached cautiously. "Mr. Carter, thank you for your concern. We'll adjust our plans promptly. Please don't worry—as long as Amelia wants you to stay with her, we completely understand."
Luke nodded appreciatively. "I'll just stay in the background and won't interfere with filming. Consider me a regular visiting family member."
At 2:15 AM, after completing the treasure hunt activity, Luke and I returned to the hillside cabin. I locked the door and plopped down on the edge of the bed, my expression grim. My hands were clenched into fists, jaw tight, as I remained silent.
Luke noticed my mood shift and sat beside me. "What are you thinking? You look angry."
"That damn Cassidy!" I suddenly exploded, anger flashing in my eyes. "She's like a ghost that won't go away! Last time she drugged me on set, nearly ruined my reputation, and somehow her mother's family influence got her off—they couldn't even file charges!"
I stood up, pacing back and forth in the small cabin. "I bet she'll escape consequences this time too. She won't stop! Next time she might come for my life! Go to hell! That crazy woman!"
Luke thought for a moment, his gaze turning sharp. "Want your husband to handle this for you?"
I stopped pacing, turned to face Luke, and nodded without hesitation. "Yes! This insane woman keeps coming after me!" I put my hands on my hips, my tone resolute. "Find a way to put her in prison for good. She thinks she's the only one with connections?"
The corner of Luke's lips turned up slightly—the expression I knew well when he was preparing to deal with a business rival. "Understood. Consider it done, madam."
I stepped closer to him, my hand reaching for his tie. "Thanks for having my back," I said, tugging him toward me.
Luke's eyes darkened immediately. "Always," he replied, his hands finding my waist.
I pressed against him, the day's tension finding a new outlet. "I need you right now," I whispered.
I pulled him closer until our bodies pressed together. "I need you," I said, the adrenaline from the confrontation still pumping through my system. "Right now."
His response was immediate—strong hands lifting me effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me to the bed. The mattress creaked under our combined weight as he laid me down, his powerful frame covering mine.
Luke's weight pinned me to the bed, his eyes fierce as I tugged his tie, my whispered "I need you" shaking with adrenaline.
My cheeks burned, heart hammering from the day's anger, but his firm grip on my waist steadied me. He leaned in, lips crashing against mine, and I gasped, fingers trembling as I loosened his tie, fumbling with his shirt buttons, face flushing hot at the sight of his bare chest.
His hands slid up my sides, easing my top off, and I shivered, shy under his hungry stare.
He stripped us bare, his cock thick and rigid against my thigh, sparking a deeper blush as my gaze flicked down, pulse racing.
My folds glistened, slick with want, and I bit my lip, mortified by my own heat. He parted my thighs, fingers brushing my clit, a jolt ripping through me as my hips twitched.
My face reddened, eyes squeezing shut as he nudged my entrance, then pressed in—a deep, stretching surge that filled me, drawing a muffled whimper.
The cabin faded—his thrusts grew sharp, urgent, my pussy tightening around him, wet and pulsing.
I arched, too bashful to look at him, nails clawing his back as the bed creaked under us. My clit throbbed with each grind, heat coiling fast in my core.
My breath hitched, body trembling as pleasure snapped, a soft cry breaking free while I clenched around his shaft, cheeks aflame. His rhythm faltered, cock pulsing as he spilled inside, a shudder rocking him against me.
I collapsed, panting, hiding my scarlet face in his chest. His arms wrapped tight, anger dissolving into the breathless quiet, leaving us tangled, safe, my heart slowing against his.