Chapter 19


    At eight o’clock, the grand finale kicked off with the energy of a rock concert. Eleven contestants took


    their turns on stage, and their performances elicited cheers from the excited crowd. Initially, Cedric was


    all ears, soaking in the atmosphere with enthusiasm. But after a few songs, his excitement began to


    wane. The performances, thoughtpetent, started to blend into one another,cking any standout


    moments that couldn’t be better experienced through a polished studio recording.


    It wasn’t until the final contestant stepped onto the stage that Cedric’s interest perked up. again-not


    because she was exceptionally different, but because from the moment she appeared, her nces


    seemed to seek out the CEO, as if hoping for a moment of eye contact.


    Miranda? Why does that name sound so familiar? Wait, isn’t she the adopted daughter from the


    Nightshade family, Ms. Nightshade’s sister?


    “Mr. Lockwood.”


    Cedric turned and saw Orion engrossed in the stock charts on his tablet,pletely oblivious to the


    live show. It was impressive, almost eerie, how Mr. Lockwood could focus in such a noisy environment.


    But then again, attending this finale wasn’t originally on Mr. Lockwood’s schedule. He had been roped


    into it due to a previous CEO’s public promises, so hisck of interest was understandable.


    “Mr. Lockwood, the contestant on stage is Ms. Nightshade’s sister.”


    “Mhm.”


    The man responded tly, and his eyes never strayed from the screen.


    “Hello everyone, I’m Miranda, contestant number 11. Tonight, I’ll be performing an origina song,


    ‘Whispers in the Dark”,”


    The song burst into life; its clear melody and upbeat rhythm was infused with sweet lyric transforming


    the mood of the venue into something light and joyful. Cedric found himself genuinely intrigued. The


    arrangement, lyrics, and harmonies of ‘Whispers in the Dark’ were distinctly superior to the previous


    performances, and surprisingly, it was an original piece. Ms. Nightshade’s sister was indeed talented.


    Xanthea arrived at the Discovery Pavilion just in time to catch ‘Whispers in the Dark’ live. The light,


    sweet tune and lyrics were like bursts of pink bubbles, delighting the senses and lightening the heart of


    the audience. She remembered crafting this song while deep in the throes of a new love, believing


    herself to be the happiest person in the world. Now, those illusions of happiness and sweetness had


    shattered, revealing the grim reality beneath.


    “My dear, thepetition is nearly over, and you just show up now?” Backstage at the


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    Chapl


    pavilion, Oliver sighed in relief upon seeing her “I thought you were going to forfeit!”


    Xanthea yfully stuck her tongue out. “Uncle, don’t you know that the big stars always make a grand


    entrance?”


    “Already acting the diva, aren’t we?” Oliver chuckled. “Come on, don’t dawdle. Your makeup artist and


    gown are ready.”


    Xanthea gazed at the dazzling gold gown and the intricate matching jewelryid out before her, her


    eyes wide with surprise. “Uncle, I’m just going up to sing a song. Isn’t this a bit much?”


    “Not at all! This is your first public appearance, and you need to dazzle everyone!”


    “Plus, the biggest sponsor, TOYUM Group, is choosing a spokesperson today. Looks are just as


    important as talent.”


    Being coaxed into the makeup chair, Xanthea still felt a bit bewildered. She


    e wasn’t nning onunching a career today-she just wanted to outperform Miranda.


    “Xan, what do you think of this mask?”


    Oliver pulled out a mask with a mysterious flourish. It was a stunning silver fox mask, seductive and


    captivating, with an iris flower embellished on the left eye, which added an enchanting touch.


    “This was custom-made just for you. I knew you’d love it. Wear it on stage, and no one will know who


    you are until you finish singing.”


    “Perfect.”


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    She took the mask, and caressed with delight the iris adorning it.


    Half an hourter, Xanthea emerged from the dressing room, fully transformed.


    Oliver, who had been waiting, turned to see her and was momentarily speechless. “Beautiful!


    Absolutely stunning!”


    Normally he was never at a loss for words, but now he was so overwhelmed that he only apud and


    repeatedly murmur in awe.


    d