“I have no interest in indulging. Just give them to others," Cole declared, masking his fondness for desserts, unwilling to show his weakness in Tyler's presence.

The assistant chuckled awkwardly.

“Understood, Mr. Dixon. I'll check if anyone else would love to try these treats.”

Tyler set down his script and reached for a cookie, his hunger amplified by the early morning journey from Eleymond without any sustenance.

With visible discontent, Cole observed Tyler relishing the food.

"Don't think your popularity exempts you from taking care of what you eat. Indulging in such delights will surely make you gain weight!"

Tyler cast a fleeting glance in Cole's direction and replied, "No matter how much I eat, my body will remain unaffected."

Cole's unhappiness grew, for he was prone to putting on weight effortlessly. He was convinced that Tyler's statement was purposefully crafted to provoke him.

Before he could voice his displeasure, the stage manager appeared, diverting his attention.

"| have some news to share. Miss Cicio has encountered an urgent matter and won't be able to participate in today's promotional activities. Consequently, the two-person interview featuring the lead actors will be revised to include both of you."

Tyler's countenance darkened. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than mere coincidence that they were repeatedly paired up for interviews.

“Prepare yourselves. You can make your way to the stage now,” the stage manager announced briskly, wasting no time. A makeup artist was summoned to touch up Tyler's and Cole's appearances, after which they were promptly ushered onto the stage.

Tyler couldn't help but feel a sense of revulsion, yet he plastered a smile on his face as the cameras trained their lenses on them.

He had done his utmost to avoid raising suspicions, but Cole persistently gravitated towards him, purposefully uttering ambiguous remarks. Cole went so far as to claim that he was familiar with Tyler's particular routines and interests!

Onstage, Cole was a stark contrast to his backstage persona, presenting Tyler with candies and playing along with the charade.

Cole's hypocrisy gnawed at Tyler's insides!

It even caused his fists to clench involuntarily.

Unbeknownst to Tyler, Cole himself harbored an aversion toward their orchestrated camaraderie. He despised the fans' obsession with their perceived bond, but it heightened his popularity. His company compelled him to engage in these contrived things for that!

Not only did he have to memorize Tyler's idiosyncrasies and preferences, but he also had to keep a constant eye on him, employing various tactics to fuel the fans’ shipping desires.

He even created a secret account to glean insights into their fans' preferences.