Ej's mind raced, disbelief and jealousy crashing over him in waves. His dream—his one true dream—had always been to sing alongside her.
Not even the top idols or A-list celebrities could casually just duet with Raneisha. There was a long list of artists waiting for the opportunity to collaborate with her, and she picked this guy?
Why C.C.?!
What made him special?
What was so good about him?
EJ couldn't understand it, couldn't accept it. The thought of Raneisha singing with someone else felt like a knife twisting in his chest – a nobody at that!
EJ's fists clenched, his knuckles white with frustration. He could barely contain the hatred burning inside him. His eyes narrowed, glaring at C.C., whose calm demeanor only made things worse.
It felt like a slap in the face, like C.C. was dismissing his dream as if it meant nothing. He was dismissing almost half of the population's dreams.
Cain, oblivious to the storm brewing inside EJ, shrugged and started to leave. His indifference only fueled EJ's anger, igniting something dark inside him.
As Cain walked away, EJ's resolve hardened. No matter what it takes, I'm bringing you down, C.C.!
Meanwhile, Cain strode toward the elevator when a sudden sneeze caught him off guard. He wiped his nose, frowning.
"Huh? Is someone badmouthing me?" he muttered.
Fifi giggled, her tiny wings fluttering playfully beside him. "It's probably that guy back there. He looked like he wanted to kill you. If he had a knife in his hand, you might not be standing here right now."
The way he towered over her, his presence solid and confident, made her feel something she hadn't in a long time—safe.
Lexter's face twisted in anger, his usual composure shattered. Now that the cameras were off during the break, he didn't hold back, spewing degrading words. "You think you're something special, huh, Rhea? You're pathetic—clinging to him like you cling to me before. Without me, you're nothing! Without my connections, you're—"
Lexter stopped cold when C.C. turned his gaze on him. The intensity of his glare was primal, like a beast lurking beneath the surface, ready to pounce. His eyes blazed with an unspoken threat, daring Lexter to continue. It was more than a look—it was a promise of violence.
Lexter's bravado faltered, but his arrogance wouldn't let him back down. He took a step toward Rhea, grabbing her wrist as if to assert control. "You're not running from this. You need me. You'll regret—"
That was the breaking point.
Without a word, Cain moved like lightning, his fist connecting squarely with Lexter's face. The impact was brutal, sending Lexter stumbling backward, clutching his jaw in shock.
The hallway echoed with the sickening sound of the punch, and Lexter hit the wall, sliding down in a daze.
Fifi shook her head but she didn't stop Cain.
Cain didn't bother looking down at Lexter. He turned his attention to Rhea, his voice calm again, but with an edge. "You alright?"
Rhea nodded, her eyes wide with a mix of relief, awe, and worry. "Y-yes, but . . . is it alright to punch him like that? You might get into trouble."
"It's fine. The rules only apply during the show. We're on an official break now, so whatever happens, it's no longer RRR's concern."
Lexter groaned, barely able to get to his feet, but one glance at C.C.—who stood like a predator poised to strike again—was enough to keep him reeling away.
"You'll regret this! I swear! You'll regret mutilating my face! I'll report you!" Lexter spat, fury twisting his features.
Cain didn't flinch. He knew the rules—and more importantly, he knew Lexter didn't have a leg to stand on. After all, Lexter had been the one harassing Rhea first. If he tried to report anything, he'd only dig his own grave.