And somehow, Stella managed to not laugh at her. She made sure her team all sat next to one another, on one couch, and that she sat closest to Harlow at the head.

Olive continued, “We’ve been thinking about everything and how to move forward. I don’t know if Francis told you this, but Jewel”—her voice cracked, wow—“really loves these kinds of games. We even played before a few years ago. She made some really big promises to you all, and if it were me, I would be disappointed. So, while we’ve decided to send you home early, we’re going to give you the prize money to split among yourselves.”

Stella decided to roll with it. “Oh, how generous.” She looked to the right at her ducks in a row for effect and back to Olive. “Wow. Thank you.”

“The only problem is that the safe is locked,” Ethan said. He looked a bit raggedy, as if he hadn’t changed his clothes or slept in days, but not nearly as destroyed as Olive. “It can’t be opened without the present someone would’ve received from the last challenge today. In order to pay you, we would have to ask you to play.”

Olive said, “We understand if you don’t want to. This is an extremely unconventional and stressful situation we’ve put you in. There would be security with you the entire time.”

“I’ll play,” Stella volunteered, raising her hand. “But first, an Announcement.” She stood up, careful to stay close to her group.

“Seven,” Harlow said.

“Everything we’ve done since The Cruelest Jewel started has been broadcast online,” Stella revealed. “All of it. Every challenge, every meal, every whispered secret in a hall when you thought no one was listening. Say hi to the viewers at home, because we’re all stars now.”

Confusion, followed by shock, replaced by anger, rippled down the line, just like they’d practiced. “What are you talking about?” Nicole asked.

“Ask Francis,” Stella said kindly. “He knows all about it.”

“No. I don’t,” he said to Nicole. “I swear.”

Stella turned back to Ethan and Olive. “Our substitute hosts definitely know. They helped Jewel plan this whole Golden Shindig. That’s why they’re going to let me monologue, because I know how to put on a show. Ratings, am I right?”

“Um, actually,” Olive said, “I was going to ask you to sit down.”

Stella shushed her. “Now, in order to make sense of this opportunistic airing, we have to start at the beginning.”

Luna jumped at her cue, speaking as fast as she could. “Jewel created Golden Rule as a way to connect with fans, share her story, and so they could share theirs too. Then, she started hosting top-secret Golden Weekends, exclusively for users on the app to spend time with her.”