Chapter 529

If it were just herself, Olivia wouldn't have minded this arrangement. But she had to think of Isabelle. What if Miranda tried something? Olivia's protective instincts flared as she debated asking Liam to take Isabelle somewhere safer.

In an unexpected gesture, Miranda approached Olivia, her smile strained as she spoke through clenched teeth. "Miss Kensington, let's try to coexist civilly," Miranda said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I know you're not thrilled about rooming with me either, but we're stuck together for this week. Let's forget past misunderstandings. I'm willing to let bygones be bygones, provided you and your daughter don't cause any disturbances."

Olivia's grip tightened around Isabelle's small hand. Miranda's words, masquerading as peace offerings, only made her more wary. Was Miranda implying they were the troublemakers here? Hadn't Miranda been the one harassing them first?

Murmurs of admiration for Miranda's supposed generosity rippled through the gathered crowd.

"Honestly, I've never seen anyone as forgiving as Miranda. She's practically a saint."

"True. But I worry for her. That mother-daughter pair might try something when the cameras aren't rolling."

"Don't be ridiculous! The production team wouldn't allow that."

"You're so naive! Olivia paid a fortune to get on this show. She wasn't even on the original roster. Makes you wonder what strings she pulled."

Olivia felt the sting of their words but remained silent. She'd only joined the program for Isabelle's sake. Forcing a smile, she reached for Miranda's hand, though her eyes remained guarded. "Why would we cause trouble? Isabelle and I despise drama. There are two beds - you're welcome to the larger one. If it makes you more comfortable, I'll even hang a divider between us. And if children bother you, I'll ensure Isabelle stays out of your way."

Miranda blinked in surprise at Olivia's sudden graciousness. "Oh no, you should take the bigger bed with your daughter. That's only proper."

Olivia countered immediately, "If I did that, people might claim we forced you into the smaller bed. Then we'd never hear the end of it."

Her blunt statement created an awkward silence. Miranda's eyes welled with sudden tears. "Miss Kensington, you can't paint me as the villain here."

Victoria moved to comfort Miranda, shooting Olivia a disapproving look. "Must you be so cruel? Miranda genuinely wants peace."

Olivia's musical laughter cut through the tension. Her striking beauty made everyone else fade into the background. "How dramatic! Miss Graves and I were just playing. I didn't realize she'd take it so seriously. My mistake - I should've known better. Earlier, I saw her joking with Isabelle, pretending to fall and claiming my daughter pushed her. I assumed she enjoyed such playful banter."