chapter717

Patricia's words felt like a weight lifting off Daisy's chest. Dealing with Lydia was already stressful enough. The last thing she needed was to end up on Rosie's bad side, too.

The Gibson family had their hands in both politics and business, and Rosie's aunt, Mabel, basically ran the Robinson family. The Robinsons were political heavy hitters. The Rivers family knew better than to mess with them.

Monica and Fiona exchanged knowing grins.

Patricia, weren't you just bragging that first place was yours? You even made a bet with us. What, are you only confident when you're talking to us?" Monica couldn't help herself. She just couldn't stand Patricia's fake attitude.

Rosie shot Patricia and Daisy a look of pure disdain, then glanced over at Lydia's group with a smug smile. You don't win first place just by flapping your gums.

Maisie, right next to Rosie, laughed. "Seriously. Everyone wants to win, but it's not as easy as it sounds."

Rosie looked them up and down. "You might want to stop running your mouths. Or you'll only embarrass yourselves later."

Daisy and Patricia's faces fell. Lydia had already put them in their place more than

once.

Lydia's eyes were icy as she stared at Rosie and Maisie. Her voice was cool and confident. "We'll find out who wins in seven days."

She turned to Monica and Fiona. "You two good to go?"

They nodded right away. "Yep, ready."

Lydia walked straight past Rosie, not even pausing. She didn't say a word, but her confidence made Rosie narrow her eyes in irritation.

Lydia really didn't care what anyone thought.

Once Lydia's group started moving, Daisy hurried her team along. "We've still got a long way to go. Let's get going."

Maisie scoffed. "Rosie, do you think they actually have a shot at first place?"

Rosie's lips curled into a cold smile. "Let them dream. That's all it'll ever be."

They walked for another hour before finally reaching the entrance to the mission

area.

Monica and Fiona squinted up at the burning sun, then glanced at Lydia and Jules, who looked completely unfazed. The two of them felt so embarrassed, they wished they could disappear.

"Lydia, Jules, we're really slowing you down."

They hated being the weak links, but they were exhausted.

Lydia was surprised at how well Jules was holding up. After two hours of hiking, he looked just as calm as she did, not even breathing hard.

Just keep it up. You both did awesome today. Look, we're the third group to check in."

The long trek had already spread the students out. Rosie's and Daisy's teams were ahead, but not by much.

After checking in, the four of them got their first mission card.

Using a partial map of the camp and a compass, they needed to find

three marked spots. Each spot had a checkpoint device they had to collect content belongs t

With the map in hand, Lydia led the way. It didn't take her long to spot the first marker.

Fiona and Monica were in awe.

Lydia, this place is a total maze, but you found it so fast. You're incredible!"

They hurried ahead, full of excitement, but their enthusiasm faded fast.

Right in front of them stood a massive wall, at least two meters high, like a solid iron barrier blocking their path.

"Oh my god, how are we supposed to get over that?" Monica stared up, totally lost.

Just then, Daisy's voice came from the other side. "Pathetic! Are you stuck already? Can't even make it past the first obstacle, and you think you're going to win?"