Genius Manager: I Can Make All Girls Talented!-Chapter 150 - - Morning

The next morning in the villa felt like the air had been sucked out of the walls.

The silence wasn't peaceful—it was strategic.

Emma sat on the patio swing, rocking gently as she scrolled through the new trending clips. One short video had gone viral overnight: a shadowy silhouette of Darius and Yuna beneath the sheets, lips locking, bodies tangled, and the word "Intimacy Confirmed?" stamped across the thumbnail.

Emma didn't need to open it. She knew what it was.

Inside, Alicia was in the kitchen making coffee with mechanical precision. Each movement was crisp, controlled. She didn't look at anyone. Especially not Darius, who had just emerged from the hallway wearing nothing but low-slung sweatpants and the kind of smug exhaustion that said yes, we did it—and it was worth it.

"Morning," he said.

No one replied.

Yuna strolled in a moment later, glowing. Her skin glistened from a fresh shower, and her tank top clung just right. She walked straight to Darius and stood on her toes to plant a soft kiss on his cheek.

Avery, seated at the island, let out a slow breath through her nose. "You're bold."

Yuna glanced sideways at her. "You're late."

"For what?"

"For staking your claim."

Avery smiled coolly. "I don't need to fight over a man I already own a piece of."

Emma snorted from the door. "We all own a piece of him. She's just showing off her receipt."

Darius sat at the counter, sipping the black coffee Alicia had made but left untouched. "You're all making this way more dramatic than it needs to be."

"You think this isn't dramatic?" Alicia asked, finally looking at him. "You slept with her on camera. And now we have to play house like nothing happened."

"I didn't say nothing happened," Darius said calmly. "I'm saying that this doesn't change anything between us."

Alicia gave him a long look, the kind that said she wanted to believe him—but couldn't ignore the fire behind her ribs.

Before anyone could respond, the living room TV turned on automatically with the show's jingle.

Harry appeared onscreen, grinning ear to ear. "Hello beautiful maniacs! Hope you enjoyed last night's surprise romance!"

The camera zoomed in awkwardly on Darius and Yuna as the rest of the room froze.

"We thought we'd shake things up this morning. Today's challenge is all about chemistry. That's right—literal chemistry."

Groans erupted around the villa.

"Each couple will compete in a special bonding task. You'll be paired by random draw, and the best-performing pair will win an exclusive evening reward: a candlelit dinner... alone."

The TV cut to black.

"What the hell is 'random' supposed to mean?" Emma said sharply. "They're going to rig it."

Avery stood up. "Doesn't matter. I'll win regardless."

Alicia walked away from the group, her jaw clenched.

Yuna raised her hands playfully. "Hey, let's not all jump me at once. I'm not the one who built this harem. I'm just living in it."

"You're doing more than living in it," Emma muttered.

Yuna turned to Darius with a teasing grin. "Should I apologize for enjoying my night?"

"Not unless you regret it," he said.

"I don't."

—

An Hour Later — Challenge Arena

The contestants gathered in front of the garden patio where several chemistry sets, beakers, color-changing liquids, and puzzle boards had been arranged on sleek metal tables. The cameras were everywhere—above, beside, and even inside transparent frames that lit up like game show props.

Harry's voice echoed from a mounted speaker.

"Contestants! Time to draw your partners!"

A digital wheel spun onscreen, buzzing dramatically until names popped up:

Darius – Alicia

Matt – Emma

Yuna – Brad

Avery – Logan

The tension was immediate.

Yuna raised an eyebrow. "Brad? Seriously?"

Brad puffed out his chest like he'd just won the lottery. "Don't worry. I got you."

Darius gave her a glance—brief but charged.

Alicia stepped forward, her voice tight. "Let's just win this and get it over with."

"Agreed," Darius replied.

The Challenge

The contestants had to recreate a color-coded chemical reaction by combining six elements in the right order, then solve a short riddle using the clues each successful mix revealed.

It was ridiculous.

And it was perfect.

Darius and Alicia worked like clockwork. Their communication was silent, rhythmic. Every time their hands brushed, it was tense, but charged. Alicia's hair kept falling in front of her face, and Darius would gently move it aside without a word. Her lips would twitch every time—but she never stopped focusing.

Meanwhile, Yuna's team was a disaster.

Brad kept fumbling vials, splashing too much fluid, and even managed to nearly light a towel on fire. "I got this, I got this—"

"You don't 'got' anything," Yuna muttered.

She glanced once at Darius and Alicia—too synced. Too familiar.

And it bothered her.

At the end of the timer, Harry's voice rang out again.

"And the winners are... Darius and Alicia!"

Polite clapping. Stiff smiles. Everyone knew this would only throw more gasoline onto the fire.

Alicia didn't look smug—but her eyes sparkled.

Yuna watched them as they high-fived.

Then she walked straight past Brad, straight past Darius, and stopped by the camera crew.

"Hey," she said sweetly, brushing her hair back. "Want a quote for your next headline?"

One of the producers blinked. "Uh, sure?"

Yuna turned back, her smile sharp.

"Everyone in this villa thinks they're playing chess. But I already know the final move."

Later That Evening – Private Dining Room

Candles flickered as Darius poured Alicia a glass of wine.

She looked stunning in a soft green silk dress, the open back held by only a loose knot at the nape of her neck.

They sat across from each other in the warm light.

"Do you regret it?" Alicia asked, eyes meeting his.

"Regret what?"

"Choosing her first."

Darius leaned forward. "Not for a second."

Alicia held his gaze for a long moment... then smiled.

"Then make sure I'm second."

She reached out, placing her hand on his.

And just outside the window, a camera lens zoomed in on their fingers interlocking—broadcasting it to millions.