Chapter 202


    Gentry and Sean weren’t whispering at all. Everyone, from guests and vigers to the folks watching


    the live–stream, caught their every word.


    Some, like Gentry, just figured Sean was being modest.


    But Winnie knew better. Humility wasn’t Sean’s style, so if he said something, it had to be the truth.


    However, when she had rushed to the pond’s edgest night, she did feel an elusive trace of mystical


    energy.


    At that time, she had assumed it was Sean’s. But it seems like that’s not the case now.


    So where did that subtle forcee from?


    Winnie pondered, her gaze drifting towards Gentry, a hunch quietly forming in the back of her mind.


    Before long, the group made their way down the hill and back to the vige.


    The Chief had to inform the vigers about the werewolf sighting, discuss building a shrine, and


    propose to honor the legend in the town hall. After a quick exchange with the television crew, he led a


    procession of vigers to prepare for a grand assembly.


    Bagot was about to suggest the guests take a break when Joseph, trailed by his cameraman,


    approached them.


    He had skipped the morning hike due to feeling under the weather, but after following their adventure


    on the live feed, he hurried over as soon as he knew they were back.


    Determined to stick with the “Ghostly Guidance” crew for the next few episodes, he didn’t want his fans


    to think he couldn’t make it past one.


    Looking refreshed from a good night’s sleep and this morning’s rest, his youthful vigor was


    unmistakable as he greeted everyone with enthusiasm and concern, his worrynding deliberately on


    Winnie’s face.


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    Then his gaze shifted to Sean standing beside Winnie. The strikingly handsome teenager had an air of


    awe about him that was hard to miss.


    “You must be Winnie’s brother Sean, right? We owe you one forst night. Didn’t get a chance to


    properly introduce myself. I’m Joseph, but you can call me Joe.”


    With a warm smile, he extended his hand, not waiting for Sean’s consent before eagerly shaking it.


    Sean frowned, a hint of impatience on his face. In a swift motion, he suddenly twisted Joseph’s wrist.


    1050


    Joseph’s cry of pain caught everyone, crew and viewers alike,pletely off guard.


    “Sean. What are you doing? Let go,” Gentry was the first to react, pulling them apart.


    Luckily, Sean hadn’t intended to harm anyone and released Joseph as Gentry intervened.


    Seeing no serious injury on Joseph’s hand, Winnie ignored him and turned to Sean, her voice calm as


    she asked, “What’s wrong?”


    Sean, a sea dragon not well–versed in human niceties, noted theck of anger in her eyes and huffed,


    ring at Joseph with a dangerous tone, “He touched the palm of my hand. And after, he squeezed.”


    Sean’s usation struck like lightning in broad daylight, shocking the on–site crew and the live


    audience.


    “What did he mean by that? Surely not what I’m thinking?”


    “Hold up, Joseph, why would you touch a young guy’s hand like that?”


    “Come on, don’t talk nonsense. Joe was just being friendly with a handshake. There’s no way it was


    like what he just said. Maybe someone’s trying to frame my Joe.”


    As a child actor turned star, Joseph had a legion of “fans” who still called him “kiddo” even though he


    was now a strapping 19–year–old.


    Seeing someone using and attacking their “kiddo” for no reason set them off, and they jumped into


    the fray.


    “Do you think you’re so pretty that everyone’s out to get you? That is such a twisted mindset for


    someone so young. You’re lucky you have that face.”


    “Joe has always been too friendly. It’s one thing for women to y the victim, but now even guys? This


    is ridiculous.”


    “Is Sean so sensitive because of something that happened to him before? Only those who’ve been


    vited have such paranoia, thinking the whole world is out to get them.


    “That makes so much sense.”


    As thements in the live chat took a distasteful turn, other viewers couldn’t stand it.


    “Just Sean expressing his feelings, and heree Joseph’s rabid fans attacking anyone in sight?”


    “I hate those who spread baseless rumors. He’s just a boy. Have some decency, will you?” “Didn’t you


    hear what Winnie saidst episode? Every spiteful word you type online wille back to haunt you


    “Why should he lie about Joseph? He doesn’t even know Joe. Why would he make up lies about him?”


    Someone must be pulling strings from behind the scenes.


    “Oh please, I’ll bet it’s someone being manipted, I won’t say who, but I have my guesses.”


    “Am I the only one reminded of the ‘sixth guest‘ curse? Isn’t this a sign of impending doom?”


    Thatstment was lost in the virtual melee as Joseph’s fans went ballistic,


    The live chat descended into chaos as Bagot felt his headache grow. He nced at Joseph and saw


    his expression change the moment Sean spoke from shock to a wounded and disbelieving look.


    “Sean, could there be some misunderstanding? How could I possibly touch and squeeze your hand?”


    Joseph, with his acting background, disyed a convincing mix of innocence and helplessness,


    making bystanders unsure of what to say,


    Joseph had a decent reputation in the industry, while Sean didn’t seem like the type to make false


    allegations.


    “You deny it?” Sean’s eyes narrowed dangerously. Although he wasn’t necessarily looking for a


    confrontation, as a sea dragon, he wasn’t about to be ndered without a response.


    A tense aura enveloped Sean as he focused on Joseph, about to make a move.


    But before he could, a gentle, warm hand softlynded on his, preventing any further


    action.


    Winnie watched him quietly, her hand gently pressing his downward with a subtlety that belied her


    comforting intent. Her deep–set eyes held a clear intent to soothe.


    Sean, visibly annoyed, let out a huff but didn’t pull away from her touch.


    Assured that he wouldn’tsh out again, Winnie turned back to Joseph with a scrutinizing gaze and


    spoke, “When I first bumped into you yesterday, I felt there was something special about you. I wasn’t


    sure what it was then, but now, I think I get it.”


    Her gaze was steady, her eyes seemed to cut through to the heart of matters as she addressed him.


    “You’re gay, aren’t you?”


    Her words struck with force, no less impactful than Sean’s earlier outburst. A flicker of panic crossed


    Joseph’s eyes, quickly reced by a facade of indignation and humiliation. “Winnie, even if you’re


    trying to stand up for Sean, you have no right to nder me like this. How could you possibly think that


    I…”


    I never nder anyone without cause, and neither would Sean,” Winnie cut him off, her voice firm and


    resolute, “If you believe this is nder, then perhaps it’s time to share with everyone what happened


    when you were seventeen?”