Chapter 269

Stella Valentine's cheeks burned instantly.

"My apologies for the trouble."

The staff member waved dismissively. "Honestly, few guests on this show are genuinely looking for love..."

The unspoken words hung in the air.

For the TV station, ratings were king. Whether they truly helped people find lifelong partners was debatable.

On Saturday morning, Joy Fairsprene arrived with the truth: "If I hadn't signed you up, you wouldn't even be on this show."

Stella had already guessed. "So I'm playing the 'toad lusting after swan meat' role?"

A single mother with two children, demanding a man with an annual income of 50 million. The internet would tear her apart.

Joy winked. "Not entirely. Dr. Charles Melford is perfect for you. If you hit it off, the producers can't stop you. They'll milk the 'love conquers all' angle for ratings!"

Stella rubbed her temples. "Is he really that good?"

"Absolutely!" Joy lowered her voice. "He's actually a commitment-phobe..."

A commitment-phobe on a dating show?

Joy smirked. "It's all part of the act. A commitment-phobe and a gold digger abandoning their principles for love? Classic romance trope."

Stella understood. "So all the guests are actors? Just putting on a show?"

"Originally, yes." Joy grinned sheepishly. "But after researching, I found Dr. Melford is genuinely amazing. Stella, you can't live in the past forever."

The TV station was in Houston's western suburbs.

The studio buzzed with activity.

Joy suddenly pointed to a corner. "Look! That's Dr. Melford!"

Stella followed her gaze.

A man in a white T-shirt and jeans leaned against the wall, his sharp profile exuding arrogance.

There was a faint resemblance.

Especially in the backlight—his gentle eyes and slightly upturned lips—

"He's Male Guest #3. Remember to keep your light on for him!" Joy hurried off after a colleague called her.

"Miss Valentine?" A petite makeup artist recognized her. "Time for makeup."

The dressing room was packed with female guests.

Stella spotted a familiar figure.

The woman glanced at her through the mirror, frowning slightly. "Mr. Roland's relative?"

Stella sighed inwardly but nodded politely. "Miss Evans. What a coincidence."

Wendy Evans chuckled. "You're a guest too?"

"Yes."

"You and Adrian—"

"We're just relatives now."

Wendy raised an eyebrow. "Really? If you were his woman, he'd never let you join a dating show."

Stella smiled without answering. The misunderstanding saved her from explanations.

"What exactly is your relationship?"

Stella hesitated. "I suppose... his sister-in-law."

"Adrian has a brother?" Wendy looked shocked. "Cousins?"

"Something like that. They've never met."

"Ah, distant relatives." Wendy smirked meaningfully. "Brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Interesting..."

Stella didn't elaborate. It was too complicated.

"Miss Valentine, you're wearing this?" The makeup artist eyed her casual outfit. "Shouldn't you dress up for TV?"

She wasn't here to find love.

"This is comfortable."

The makeup artist sighed. "Fine. If you think this will attract true love..."

Stella applied lipstick herself—her entire makeup routine.

"Guests, prepare to enter!"

In the studio, the host warmed up the audience. Ten guests took their positions. Stella was Female Guest #1.

"Female Guest #1, Stella Valentine. Single mother of two. Requirements: 6'1", annual income 50 million..."

The audience burst into laughter.

Stella stood unfazed.

Male Guest #1 was Dr. Melford.

Dressed impeccably, his watch and prayer beads flaunted wealth. Noticing Stella's gaze, he looked back.

Disappointed, she averted her eyes. His face bore no resemblance.

"Female Guest #2, Wendy Evans. Influencer. Former girlfriend of New Frontier Group's Adrian Roland..."

"Male Guest #5, Victor Valence. 6'2", annual income over 50 million..."

Stella's head snapped up, meeting Victor's amused gaze.

Clad in a black leather jacket, a motorcycle helmet at his hip.

Why was he here?

A staff member had mentioned adding a male guest last minute because of her requirements.

So it was him.

"Let's welcome this episode's sponsor—New Frontier Jewelry CEO, Adrian Roland!"