Chapter 30%
Maya’s face turned pale as she was caught off guard. Feeling guilty, she retorted, “What are you talking about? you? Stop making malicious assumptions.
After speaking, she hurriedly escaped into the backstage area.
I waved goodbye to Vero and followed suit, heading backstage as well.
What c
could I possibly do to
Vero watched me leave, then turned to find a seat in the audience. But as soon as she turned around, she met a pair of familiar eyes.!! Seeing the person clearly, she was slightly surprised. “Xavier? Weren’t you supposed to arrive in three days? What are you doing here?” Xavier glanced in the direction I had left, then replied casually, “Didn’t you ask me to work on the Lynch Group’s new project? Of course, I had to come early to get familiar with things.”
Vero keenly caught his subtle movement and gave him a knowing look. With a teasing tone, she said, “I think you’re here for my best friend. Don’t try to fool me with that ‘work‘ excuse. Others might believe you, but I don’t“!
c effort to
“But I think your ten–year crush is finally going to pay off. Callista is divorcing her husband. Once it’s finalized, put in some pursue her. I’ll even help you out.”
Vero genuinely believed that Xavier was far better than Elowen in every way. More importantly, his feelings for me had remained unwavering for the past ten years, during which he hadn’t been involved with any other woman. That was why she had agreed to arrange for me to receive him.8.
Xavier smiled lightly and replied calmly, “That still depends on whether Callista is willing or not. If she isn’t it’s all pointless. But no matter what, I’m willing to stay by her side.”
Vero clicked her tongue in mild exasperation but didn’t argue further. Instead, she led Xavier into the audience seating area!!
The competition started quickly. I was scheduled to perform twentieth, right after Maya, who was nineteenth.
As my turn approached, I went back to the dressing room to touch up my makeup. Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I tumed to leave, only to find that the door had been locked from the outside.
At first, I assumed it was an accident. I reached for my phone to call for help, but after searching my bag. I realized it was missing.
I had kept my phone in my bag the whole time and hadn’t taken it out. It couldn’t have disappeared on its own. Someone must have stolen it.
Even worse, I had only five minutes left before I was supposed to be on stage.
I anxiously pounded on the door, trying to attract the attention of anyone passing by. But no matter how much I shouted, my throat nearly raw, not a single person came.
Only two minutes remained.
Despair settled over me as I leaned against the door, forced to accept the reality that I wouldn’t be able to compete.
Just then, the door suddenly swung open. Xavier strode in quickly. “Why were you locked inside? You have one minute left before your turn. Come on, let’s go!”
I hadn’t expected him to be the one to find me. A mix of relief and gratitude surged through me and I hurried after him toward the stage.
As soon as I arrived, I caught Maya staring at me with a vicious glare, her eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness.
