Chapter 111
“Where’s My “Mirseb“?”
“What the heck? The couple name’s already out?”
Miranda returned to the seat, where Sebastian was waiting for her. Sitting there, Sebastian seemed out of place compared to everyone around him. Yet, he had this undeniable aura that drew all eyes to him. Even the audience hoped the camera would linger a bit longer on him.
As soon as Miranda came back, Sebastian’s gaze fell on her. In fact, the studio was now left with just the three of them as guests.
After the two teams had picked their members, they were in for a phase of bonding, joint training, and strategy planning. All of these would be broadcasted live, with Miranda and the others providing real–time commentary.
The host initially intended to interview Miranda but probably feared she’d say something too bold, so he turned to Sebastian instead.
“Mr. Everhart, what are your thoughts on the team selections? Do you have any favorites among them?”
Sebastian moved his lips in a slight, formal manner. “No, I don’t.”
He only answered the last question, clearly not in the mood to elaborate. After responding, Sebastian glanced at Miranda purposefully.
“Do you have someone you like?”
Yes, it was Sebastian who asked this. The host thought he might have misheard or that Sebastian misspoke. The host smiled. “What about you, Miranda?”
The viewers online were buzzing.
“Did Mr. Everhart just ask that???”
“He asked if she has someone she likes??”
“???”
“!!!”
The chat was filled with question marks and exclamation points.
Elian’s pen snapped in his hand as his eyes bore chilly into the live stream.
“Mr. Ashcroft?” The executive across the table smiled nervously, “Is there something you dislike about our proposal? If that’s the case, it’s totally fine. We can certainly make adjustments.”
Elian glanced at his muted tablet. He had it there, muted, while discussing business. But then he caught sight of what Sebastian said, and the online viewers‘ reactions. Even without sound, he was adept at reading lips.
Mr. West, who thought Elian wasn’t pleased with his proposal, was breaking into a cold sweat. Everyone knew that since this heir of the Ashcroft family took over the business in Zephra, the entire elite had been treading carefully around him.
He wouldn’t consider anyone’s dignity if they made him unpleasant. He was notorious for being ruthless. Previously, a wannabe business magnate tried to pull a fast one on Elian while negotiating with the latter for partnership. That person was now nowhere to be found – allegedly his company gone.
Later on, rumors had it that that magnate had been in jail, locked up with a heavy sentence, and not in one piece anymore. This made potential partners nervous but also weeded out less desirable alliances.
“Mr. Ashcroft?” Mr. West ventured again, cautiously.
08:28
Chapter
Elian frowned, impatience evident. “Shut up.”
Mr. West instantly fell silent, not daring address another word. The secretary signaled Mr. West to look at the tablet aside. Once he did, he understood what had caught Elian’s attention. So, he sat quietly, waiting patiently.
Who would have thought Mr. Ashcroft enjoyed watching live streams. Is he an esports fan?
Miranda heard Sebastian’s question and wondered if he had been paid by the producers to stir up gossip. She smiled lightly. “I don’t either.”
Sebastian gently adjusted his glasses, hiding a slightly raised brow. The host quickly steered the conversation. “While you might not have favorites now, perhaps after watching their matches, you’ll be won over. Now, let’s check on how the two teams are preparing!”
A large screen appeared on the stage before Miranda, showing the live preparation of the two teams. According to their competition’s rules, these preparation sessions would be broadcast for a couple of days, building enough excitement and tension before the final live matches.
Elian’s brows furrowed deeper. The chat was now filled with comments pairing Miranda and Sebastian, which only irked him further.
“Are those two PR firms just loafing around?”
Elian’s sudden remark startled Mr. West. Seeing the comments on the tablet, Frank understood immediately. Mr. Ashcroft was annoyed by what he saw. He quickly excused himself to handle it.
Once Frank left, Elian withdrew his gaze from the screen and looked across at Mr. West, who immediately sat up straight, a nervous smile plastered on his face. “Mr. Ashcroft, I’m all ears.”
“I’ve reviewed the proposal. Do it over,” Elian’s tone conveyed his displeasure clearly.
Yet, Mr. West felt relieved at the attitude, grateful that Elian wasn’t taking his frustration out on him. He quickly responded, “Of course.”
