Chapter 1019
Jacob’s reaction to her words was far from pleasant.
He gave Ariana a disdainful once-over and impatiently replied, “Oh, it’s you, isn’t it? Your team doesn’t belong on this stage.
This is a talent show platform, not a place for a mix of various acts and comedy shows.
Besides, I’m an established musician and the musical director here.
It’s beneath me to teach a bunch of people who can’t even hit the right notes.
It could harm my reputation.
What if your team Loses?
That would tarnish the image I’ve built for so many years.
”
Jacob’s tone and attitude toward Ariana were notably different from how he had talked to the male agent earlier.
He was clearly choosing his behavior selectively.
Ariana’s patience was running thin, and she retorted, “Apparently, being an established musician is all about skill and not ethics.
You don’t even have the basic integrity for contractual agreements.
”
“You folks from this smaller company have no idea how you managed to get on this channel.
What gives you the audacity to question my integrity? If you can pull it off, then do so.
Otherwise, withdraw from the competition early and save yourselves the stress,” Jacob also grew impatient.
After a few back-and-forths, Ariana concluded that exchanging words with this unreasonable person was pointless.
She turned on her heel and walked away.
As Jacob watched Ariana walking away, he rolled his eyes and made a sarcastic comment to the male agent beside him.
“Look at her, she’s got some looks, but who knows how she managed to gain entry.
”
Interestingly, the male agent beside him appeared contemplative as he watched Ariana’s retreating form, as if he had seen that person somewhere before.
Although the morning had thrown her a curveball, Ariana wasn’t one to crumble under pressure.
She knew when she stepped into this contest there’d be hurdles, especially given her background.
So, she took a deep breath and steadied herself.
Blowing a gasket now wouldn’t help anyone.
What the team needed was a vocal coach who could elevate their act.
Pulling out her phone, Ariana pondered her next move.
She thought about dialing Sarah.
But with Sarah caught up in her concert series, she’d be free long after the contest wrapped up.
As she mulled over her options, a fresh post on her social media feed caught her eye, sparking an idea.
Meanwhile, back in the practice room, the six members of Ariana’s ensemble were running their lines when they realized she was MIA.
With nothing else to do, they just hung around waiting.
Morning rolled into noon and yet, no Ariana.
Impatience brewing, the group decided to touch base with the show’s crew about where Ariana might be.
Their responses? Evasive at best, leaving the team more irked than before.
Tension climbed as the hours ticked away.
With the world watching and expecting them to stumble, every minute heightened their stress.
Feeling left in the lurch, their frustration mounted.