he sun had barely begun to set when the director announced the next challenge, one that made everyone's expressions shift from playful excitement to intense focus. This time, the stakes weren't just for a delicious dinner — it was a simulated rescue mission. The weaker partner, typically the Omega, would be "kidnapped" by a fictional organization, and the Alpha partner would need to solve clues and overcome physical challenges to save them. The faster the rescue, the better the dinner rewards.
The pairs were immediately separated. Lea found herself being led to a darkened, warehouse-like setup, along with Joanna, Susan, Xena, Dean, and — surprisingly — Athania Relica. Despite being paired with Rico, Athania had insisted on being part of this challenge, her competitive nature refusing to let Lea out of her sight.
