Nte wrapped up filming a reality show and immediately dragged Isadora out for dinner.


    They ended up at Capitolion''s hottest spot for barbecue-a ce famous for its fiery taste and long waitlists.


    Nte was in high spirits, sipping on a cold beer as as she flipped marbled beef slices on the sizzling grill. She smothered them in an extra-spicy pepper sauce and took a huge bite, the heat lighting up every nerve in her brain. It was the kind of meal that made you sweat and grin at the same time.


    She had spent the past month forcing down nothing but sds to keep her figure at 170cm and 45kg. Most days, she hovered somewhere between starving and fainting from hunger. So tonight, she relished every mouthful.


    But across the table, Isadora just listlessly poked at her food, stirring a meatball around her bowl without ever bringing it to her lips.


    Nte shot her a look. "Babe, Victor''s on a business trip, not running off with someone else. Why so distracted at dinner with me?"


    Isadora, jolted by Nte''s voice, finally took a bite of the beef meatball-juicy and bursting with vor. "Watching you eat is entertaining enough."


    Nte set down her fork and eyed Isadora''s gloomy face. "Something''s up with you."


    Isadora tilted her head, a little surprised at how obvious she was being.


    Nte pressed on. "Is this about what I said before? About being careful with Mr. Fitzgerald?"


    Isadora stayed silent, which Nte took as confirmation.


    "Look, I used to think all men were the same-useless, only good for being arm candy at parties. But Victor''s different. When you were being treated like crap by the Vaughan family, he stood up for you, no questions asked. Even I got to benefit from knowing you when he helped us out of that mess. He''s nothing like Magnus, that jerk."


    If Nte knew Isadora was nning to break up with Victor soon, she''d probablyunch into a full-blown interrogation.


    Isadora sighed and changed the topic. "Don''t worry about me. Tell me any new love intereststely?"


    Nte''s face darkened. “Don''t get me started. Scales, that jerk, keeps sending flowers and fancy snacks to my set every day. If he wants to chase me, fine, but he acts like I should be grateful for his attention, like he''s doing me a favor."


    Scales was the spoiled youngest son of the Donovan family, famous for switching girlfriends faster than he changed clothes.


    Granted, Nte was no saint herself when it came to boyfriends, but Isadora still worried about her falling for a guy like him.


    "Scales isn''t serious about anyone. If you''re really interested in someone, maybe consider Sammy instead."


    Nte snorted. "Please. Like my standards are so low I''d waste time on your ex''s friends."


    She grinned slyly. "Besides, if I got involved with any of those guys, you''d have to see that scumbag Magnus every day. Wouldn''t that give you a heart attack?"


    The words barely left her mouth before Nte spotted a familiar group walking in the door.


    "Speak of the devil..." she muttered.


    Scales, Sammy, and Magnus strolled into the restaurant, turning heads with their height and obvious confidence.


    Scales immediately spotted Nte and swaggered over to their table. "Why don''t we join you?"


    Isadora followed Scales''s gaze—and her eyes met Magnus''s for a split second before she quickly looked away. Magnus''s expression was unreadable, his hands clenched tight at his sides. Sammy nced between his friends, raising an eyebrow without a word.


    Nte red at Scales. "Scram. At this table, neither dogs nor men are wee."


    Scales ignored her, plopping himself down with a smirk. "Come on, sweetheart. You should count yourself lucky I''m interested in you. Don''t get too full of yourself."