Chapter 64
Chapter 64:
In the backseat, Vivian sat as the makeup artist worked carefully around her eyes, building the image she wanted—soft, delicate, almost fragile—while she called Brandon.
“Brandon, it’s me—Vivian,” she said sweetly. “Yes, today’s the first live taping. You have to come. I saved a seat just for you. They’re only letting me in because of you, Brandon. I’m really grateful for everything. I’ll give it my best, I promise.”
After she hung up, she sent a quick text: “Brandon will be attending today. Make sure the follow-up steps are ready.”
When a simple “OK” came back, Vivian leaned back and smiled, satisfied.
Backstage at Heavenly Melody, Millie stood among the other contestants. A stir moved through the room. Millie looked up to see Vivian walking in, her assistant following behind.
Most of the contestants were from smaller labels or were fresh faces just getting their start. They had already crossed paths with Vivian Simpson. So, as soon as she entered, one by one, they stood to greet her. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ ~net
“Miss Simpson!”
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Simpson!”
“Hello, Miss Simpson!”
Millie stayed where she was, silent in the background, her eyes steady. She had learned the rules of the industry long ago. Vivian had Brandon’s support now—the entire Watson Group was behind her. That alone was enough to make people treat her like royalty.
But Millie had no interest in playing along. She turned quietly and walked away, without a word.
Vivian, warm and friendly with the others, took note of the silent figure slipping out. Her eyes paused for a moment.
She had read up on all twelve contestants. She knew eleven well. Only one name, Serena Ellsworth, had no clear profile.
The others had background info, pictures, and past work. But Serena’s details were sealed. Even with the Watson Group’s name behind her, Vivian couldn’t get past the block.
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The staff only told her that Serena was under Charles’ personal management, and that all records were kept within Evans Entertainment.
Vivian had just met Serena backstage, but nothing about her sparked any memory. Confident, cool, slightly distant—maybe she was Charles’ girlfriend?
It didn’t matter. Vivian had already dealt with Brandon’s wife. Charles’ mystery lover wouldn’t be harder.
With that, she put the thought aside.
Elsewhere, Millie stood beside the stage, quietly reviewing the setup. The show had twelve contestants, three judges, and a five-round competition format, with each round spaced a week apart.
The show aired live first, with a shorter, polished version uploaded later for viewers who preferred quick highlights.
Today’s live broadcast was the first of the season—a soft opening, mainly to introduce the performers, meet the judges, and split everyone into teams.
Twelve contestants, three teams—each led by a judge.
Vivian was one of the judges. The other two were well-known singers with solid reputations in the industry.
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