Chapter 282
Chapter 282:
“Easy,” Millie said, steadying her. “What’s going on?”
Barbara hesitated, glancing around nervously.
There wasn’t much time. The voting segment followed directly after the performance.
Barbara felt like this was Serena’s last chance to clear her name.
Wordlessly, she handed over her tablet.
A headline blared across the screen.
“SCANDAL: Serena Ellsworth and Evans Entertainment CEO Charles Evans
Accused of Vote-Rigging!”
Heavenly Melody Scandal
#SerenaRiggedVotes
Millie scanned the article. “Serena Ellsworth is a signed artist under Evans Entertainment,” it began. “So of course, they’d stack the odds in her favor. Rigging votes in the show? It was only a matter of time. But this show was supposed to be about fairness and raw talent. If Serena wins unfairly, it’ll be a slap in the face to every other contestant.”
Barbara leaned in. “You have to address this during the voting segment.”
Millie nodded sharply. “Tell Charles… that talent speaks louder than rumors. The rest can wait.”
“Got it.” Barbara dashed off.
A stagehand called her name. It was time. Millie took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Meanwhile, in the audience, Jayceon had his phone out, showing his siblings the article.
“This is sabotage. Serena doesn’t need to cheat. She’s got talent,” he growled. His siblings nodded in agreement, scowling as they scrolled through the smear campaign.
Find the magic on gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸𝗼𝗺
Elsewhere, Brandon frowned as he caught wind of the rumors. His eyes drifted to the stage.
The lights dimmed. Commercials rolled.
Millie took her place center stage, staring out into the judging panel. Vivian was smiling smugly.
When their eyes met, Vivian mouthed two words—”Beg me.” Millie let out a soft, humorless laugh. Read complete version only at ͟.net
Vivian still didn’t get it. In the face of real talent, all the manipulation in the world wouldn’t matter.
Let the rumors swirl.
The truth would sing louder.
“Now, please welcome Serena Ellsworth performing ‘Journey!’” the host announced when the commercial break ended.
The lights slowly lifted. Serena stood beneath them, dressed in a flowy dress—elegant, romantic, her mask delicate and shimmering. In her hand was a gleaming clarinet.
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