Sid and Lynn sat side by side on a black couch, while directly across from them, Hector and Aurora occupied a red one. Both of them held an air of quiet intrigue, their expressions unreadable as they awaited the start of the episode.

At the center of the set, a notebook was prominently displayed, almost as if it were an exhibit in a museum. Behind it stood the show’s host, who, unusually, seemed nervous—especially whenever his gaze flickered toward Hector and Aurora.

Hector was a well-known figure. Perhaps not to everyone, but anyone who kept up with the news would quickly recognize him as the heir of the Salvador family. His reputation preceded him—arrogant, self-assured, and utterly entitled.

Aurora, on the other hand, had only just been revealed to be a mere student.

As the host stared at the two of them, he muttered under his breath, That poor girl… she has no idea what kind of criminal is sitting beside her. How could they not properly screen the participants?

For a moment, his concern was almost palpable, even as he scanned the script in his hands.

The host was a man in his mid-thirties, with tired features, thick black hair, and wide brown eyes. Though of short stature, his build was decent—average, yet presentable.

Within seconds, the director signaled for the filming to begin. The cameras rolled, and just like that, the first episode of Buds went live, featuring Lynn, Sid, Aurora, and Hector—four guests who had been lucky enough to participate in the show.

Baron stood beside the director, his role limited to reviewing the script—his job was done once filming began. Now, he was both a spectator and an observer.

The host began his introduction, saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, here we are once again! We've been away for a while, haven't we? Of course, because we're always searching for the best for you. Let me introduce myself again—I’m Mart, and this is The Buds Show, where we never overlook a budding talent about to bloom. We’re broadcasting from the capital, Zhong, in the Kingdom of Mors. I’m delighted to host this episode once more."

The host seemed like a completely different person—naturally charismatic and skilled at presentation. He stared at the camera with professional ease before introducing the participants.

"As always, where there’s a notebook, there’s a story. And today, we have a story to share. Let's welcome Lynn, who will be telling her story, alongside Sid, the owner of the notebook."

Lynn and Sid both bowed their heads gently in greeting, their nervousness evident. The host stepped closer to them.

"I sense tension in the air... Is this place scary or what? Don’t worry, we don’t bite!" He chuckled before continuing. "But before you introduce yourselves, let’s first meet our guests."

He turned towards Aurora and Hector, who sat side by side with an air of arrogance—both crossing one leg over the other, leaning against the edge of the couch. Their expressions said, What nonsense is this? When the camera shifted to them, they looked as though they owned the entire room.

The host approached Aurora first. "Here we have the beautiful Aurora. Let’s get to know her!"

A brief silence followed before Aurora finally spoke. "Hello," she said, waving toward the camera. Then, she looked at the host. "This is how we say hello, right?"

Her behavior caught the host off guard, and comments began flooding the live stream as soon as Hector Salvador’s face appeared.

"Is he from the Salvador family?"
"Aren't they afraid?"
"How could they bring a criminal onto the show?"
"This is getting interesting..."

The host stared at Aurora awkwardly, muttering under his breath, "This idiot... I’m nervous just standing here."

Aurora’s sharp eyes locked onto him. "Did you just insult me?"

She adjusted her posture gracefully, resting her hand against her cheek. "Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Aurora."

Hector let out a sly chuckle beside her.

Aurora continued, "And no, it’s not just a title. I thought this show would be more exciting, but... Hmm, I guess I was wrong. In fact, it’s the show that’s lucky to have me here."

Hector smirked, murmuring to himself, "Not just a title, huh..."

The host hesitated for a moment before forcing a smile. "Of course, I’d never dare insult anyone—especially not a lovely lady like—well, you’re a student, aren’t you?"

Aurora despised being questioned or commanded. It took her effort to remain composed. She smiled softly. "Oh, yes, I’m a student."

The host nodded. "Now, let’s turn to our next guest, whom I believe everyone already knows..."

He approached Hector, though it was clear he felt uneasy standing near him. "Here we have Hector Salvador, joining us today. Let’s hear from him!"

Hector simply stated, "I’m Hector Salvador," and said nothing more.

Aurora burst into laughter. "Is that it? Is your name the only thing that defines you?"

The audience was amused by her words. Some commented:

"Does she not know who he really is?"
"Wow... she’s not scared at all."

Lynn and Sid, however, were frozen in place. They had no idea he was a Salvador—let alone something more. They suddenly felt like mere guests, obligated to remain quiet.

Hector didn't react, keeping his gaze fixed on the camera. "Enough."

Aurora then stood beside the host, addressing the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it’s truly unfortunate that I have to present this gloomy face here. But please understand—he’s a Salvador heir."

Then, in a hushed tone, she added, "Second place in the crime world."

Raising her voice again, she smirked. "The son of Salvador has no real skill other than looking menacing and arrogant. But dear viewers, don’t worry—I’m here!"

She pointed to her face. "I’ll make up for his dull presence with my beauty!"

The director and the crew were frozen in shock. "What is this lunatic doing? Is she trying to get us all killed?"

Meanwhile, Baron was silently laughing.

Aurora playfully asked, "Should I be scared?" She then smiled, returning to her seat, while Hector clenched his jaw tightly, restraining his temper. "This woman..."

As she moved, she made sure to subtly expose the wound on her leg.

Among the viewers, both the Salvador and Al Batris families were watching. Upon seeing the wound on Aurora’s leg, a dark aura surrounded her uncle and brother as they glared at the screen.

Meanwhile, her parents seemed to recall something from the past.

Her mother abruptly stood up, turning to her husband. "Darling... stop this. Please!" Her face was pale with fear.

Her husband, his expression darkened, took a drag from his cigarette. "Perhaps... we're already too late."

Joseph and Victor, were confused.

Her father then commanded, "There will be a massacre there. Make sure the Salvador heir stays alive."

With that, Joseph quickly moved into action.

"Before that," said Mr. Kidd. "I need to make a call... Victor, make sure to find out what happened from Baron."

Victor nodded as he prepared to call Baron, who seemed thoroughly entertained by Aurora’s little performance. Mr. Kidd stood, holding his phone, and dialed Hector’s father, Emmanuel Salvador. Meanwhile, Joseph was still confused.

"Mom... what’s going on?" Joseph asked.

Assie replied, "Do you remember the servants' massacre when you were three? I doubt you do."

Victor was shocked by her words, instantly understanding what Assie was implying. He wasted no time and quickly moved, yelling into his phone, "Pick up, you idiot!" as he called Baron.

Baron barely noticed his phone vibrating. When he saw the caller ID, his face paled—"Mr. Victor." He immediately stepped aside to answer, saying, "Sorry for the delay in responding—"

But before he could finish, Victor started cursing. "You bastard! How did that happen? How did she get that wound?"

Baron’s body tensed at Victor’s tone before he hesitantly replied, "Sorry, my reaction was delayed... but it was the Salvador heir’s fault... I mean, not directly… he just didn’t catch her when she stumbled because of her shoes..."

Victor snapped, "What the hell are you rambling about, idiot? Listen to me! A massacre is about to happen. Make sure you stop it until we get there!" He ended the call abruptly, still swearing under his breath.

Baron shuddered at Victor’s words. He barely managed to turn his gaze toward Aurora, who was staring at him with pure indifference. His hands trembled as he muttered, "What do I do now? Run... I have to save myself..."

Then, he paused. "How would I even escape...? No one escapes the Al Batris family."

He took a deep breath, then hurried back to stand near the director, his face completely drained of color. The director, noticing his unusual expression, asked, "Did her behavior scare you? Don’t worry."

Baron forced a weak smile but kept his eyes fixed on Aurora, anxiously watching her every move.

As Mr. Kidd stood to make his call, Joseph remained clueless. "How would I remember…? What exactly happened back then?" he asked.

Lady Assie sat down, swirling a glass of wine in her hand, lost in thought before she said, "Sit down for a bit... Let your father finish his call first."

Joseph was puzzled by her words and turned to his father, who looked tense as he dialed the number.

On the other end of the line, a phone vibrated atop a small table beside a black couch. Emmanuel Salvador sat before the television, also watching the broadcast, while his right-hand man, Lucas, stood beside him.

Lucas picked up the phone and handed it to him. Emmanuel answered, cigarette in hand, "How can I help you?"

Mr. Kidd’s voice came sharp and direct. "Stop the broadcast. Your reckless son is about to cause a massacre."

Emmanuel adjusted his posture, immediately grasping the gravity of the situation. He knew exactly who Aurora Al Batris was. A shadow darkened his face, his light beard framing his now-tense features. His black eyes glinted as he focused on the screen.

"A massacre?" Emmanuel repeated, his lips slightly parted.

Mr. Kidd sighed. "Let me put it this way: an execution—your son’s execution."

With a weary breath, Kidd added, "Victor is already on the move. I’m sending Joseph too… Don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Then, without waiting for a response, he hung up.

Tension thickened around Emmanuel. He clenched his jaw and turned to Lucas with urgency. "Move. Now. That idiot—"

Lucas exhaled sharply. "I told you it was a bad idea to keep him in the dark."

Emmanuel, a strong-built man in his mid-forties, rose from his seat. Dressed in a sharp suit, he grabbed his coat and strode out, Lucas hurrying beside him. Both men looked on edge.

Back with Mr. Kidd, he returned to sit beside his wife, while Joseph still stood, waiting for answers.

"When you were three years old, your mother and I were on a mission," Mr. Kidd finally began. "You and Aurora stayed at the estate under the care of the servants..."

He paused, inhaling deeply at the memory. "We were only gone for four hours when I received a call from the head servant at the time—Baron’s father. His voice was shaking as he said: 'Sir... a massacre has occurred. Come back immediately.'"

Mr. Kidd continued, his voice grim as Joseph listened intently. "Fortunately, we had just wrapped up our task and were already on our way back. I assumed an enemy had broken in... So we rushed home—"