Chapter 9
“Mr. Hale, as per your instructions, we’ve thoroughly investigated all the locations. Unfortunately, there’s no trace of a girl named Fiora. The locals : also claimed they’ve never seen a bracelet like this,” Noah reported, carefully placing the broken yet still stunning bracelet on Osric’s desk
The silver thread wrapped around it seemed to scream how much its owner had cherished it
Osric’s hand closed tightly around the bracelet, his dark eyes narrowing. “Years of searching, and you’re telling me she’s just vanished? Like hell she has. Keep looking. Don’t stop until you find her,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“Understood. Mr. Hale. I’ll start fresh immediately and make sure we find her before your wedding” Bai Yan assured him.
But Oric wasn’t satisfied. His brows furrowed deeper, his voice cold and unrelenting. “No. One month I’m giving you a month to bring her to mic
No excuses.
Time was ticking, and Osric wasn’t the kind of man to leave things to fate. He never believed in chance or destiny. He believed in action.
All he wanted, all he demanded, was Flora–the only woman he’d ever considered his.
At that moment, his phone screen lit up with a message from Ismay. Attached was a carefully staged photo of her, complete with an innocent smile. and an equally sweet message
Noah, ever watchful, caught a glimpse of the image and, remembering the tickets from the night before, hesitated before asking. “Mr. Hale, would you like me to arrange for you to attend Miss Wynn’s performance tonight”
Without even glancing at the phone, Osric tossed it aside and carefully set the bracelet back down. “Do I look like I have time for that crap!”
Bai Yan inwardly sighed, feeling thoroughly shut down. As a loyal fan of Late Laughs, tonight’s finale had been the highlight of his week, and he’d secretly hoped to tag along with his boss to see it live.
But not one to give up so easily, he tried again. “Mr. Hale, if 1 may… this season has been insane, and Mary–the dark horse contestant–she’s in a league of her own. She’s sharp, funny, and her comebacks are downright savage. If you’re feeling stressed, listening to her might actually be worth your time?
To his shock, Osric paused. After a moment of consideration, he stood up and said, “Fine. Let’s go check it out.”
Meanwhile, in the dressing room, Amaris had just finished getting ready. She wore a flowing red dress that clung to her figure in all the right ways. Her long, wavy hair framed her face, and the black feathered mask gave her an air of mystery and allure.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she had to admit she looked stunning–so beautiful it almost felt unreal. But to her, it felt too much, too showy
I’m here to compete, not to put on a damn beauty pageant, she muttered to herself, eyeing the simpler outfit she’d brought along, tom over whether to change.
Her stylist, completely engrossed in admiring their work, immediately panicked, “Don’t even think about it! Mary, tonight you’re the queen of the stage. This look is flawless. Perfect Untouchable. No way in hell you’re changing!”
With a resigned sigh, Amaris gave up the idea of changing. Fine. If this is what it takes, then let’s just get it over with, she thought.
Liam, the producer, barged into the room with heavy, confident strides, throwing a knowing glance at the stylist Once everyone else had cleared out, he slammed a contract onto the table in front of Amaris.
“Mary, sign this contract, and I’ll make sure you land in the top three, he said flatly.
The contract would officially make her an artist under Ford Studio. With her standout performances in the earlier rounds, it was obvious she was a goldmine in the making a star just waiting to be cashed in on.”
Hut Amaris didn’t even bother glancing at the contract. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, folding her arms, and raised an eyebrow. “And if I don’t!
Liam’s expression darkened instantly. “Mary, are you new to this business or just naïve? This is how the game is played. If you want to be in the top three, you sign with us. Simple as that. Do you know how many people would kill for the chance I’m handing you? Don’t be stupid”
Liam was no stranger to dirty tricks. Ismay’s smooth rise to the finals? That was all thanks to his behind–the–scenes scheming. And someone like Jum working hand–in–hand with Ismay? That spelled trouble all over.
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Chapter 9
Amaris hadn’t forgotten last year’s scandal. The previous fan–favonte. Ella Bryce, had been forced out of the competition in disgrace–courtesy of Ismay and Liam’s backroom plotting. Amaris hadn’t said a word about it back then, but she’d kept that grudge alive.
“Oh? Then I guess I’m not interested,” Amaris replied coolly, her tone crisp and unapologetic.
Liam stood abruptly, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. “Mary, don’t make me repeat myself. You’re the top contender for the championship! Are you seriously going to throw away the chance of a lifetime!”
“And throw away to who? Ismay?” Amaris shot back without hesitation, her words sharp and deliberate.
Liam les out a cold, humorless laugh. “As long as you know how this works.”
Amaris tilted her head slightly, her voice calm but cutting. “If winning means lowering myself to this, then I’d rather lose.”
Liam stormed out, slamming the door so hard the entire room shook, leaving Amaris sitting there, utterly calm, in the silence.
The competition went on as planned
In the first and second rounds, Ismay managed to stay slightly ahead, her scores boosted by the heavier weight given to the judges‘ votes.
Meanwhile, murmurs and whispers rippled through the audience panel Speculation was running wild as everyone tried to make sense of the fierce competition unfolding onstage.
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