A Second Life, A New Power novel Chapter 17

"Why is the vicious gal so mean? Ana has already apologized!"

"She has such a poor attitude."

"How would Ana know if the vicious gal ever had wine?"

"Does the vicious gal think that just because she's Ana's assistant, Ana is obligated to care about her life and know everything about her?"

"Wait. Don't you think it's odd? The vicious gal is supposed to be Ana's assistant, yet she's being so rude to her."

"Could she have been fired?"

"That must be it! No wonder she's so hostile toward Ana."

Sensing the growing tension, Matt quickly raised his voice to redirect the group's focus.

"Okay. Demi has passed the challenge. This bottle of wine will go to her as a reward, and she's earned herself a spot."

Demi asked, "Mr. Hahn, can I give my spot to someone else?"

"You can. However, let me remind everyone. Each participant can only give up their spot once per episode, and a recipient can only accept a spot once. Understood?"

"Understood," the group chorused.

"I'll give the spot to Maria," Demi said, gesturing toward Maria.

Her reason for participating was to secure the spot so that she could give it to Maria.

Wendy had her husband help her compete for a spot and carry her heavy bags, while Ana had her brother take care of her every need.

Demi, on the other hand, could manage on her own. Maria had been nothing but kind to her since the start. It only felt right to help her get a spot.

Maria's face lit up with joy. To be honest, she had reached her limit and couldn't walk another step.

"Thank you." Maria got up from the rock she'd been sitting on and pulled Demi into a warm hug.

Demi froze. She wasn't used to such enthusiastic displays of affection.

"If you weren't so shy, I'd plant a kiss on you right now," Maria added with a playful grin as she let go.

Demi was speechless.

"Okay. Let's start with the second challenge. Listen carefully. You must light this candle without using matches or a lighter," Matt instructed while gesturing to the staff member holding a thick, red candle.

The group stared at him, bewildered.