Calvert, unperturbed and accustomed to Carl’s frequent outbursts, didn’t flinch. He calmly responded, “Are you absolutely certain
your father won’t take his frustration out on you instead, once he’s informed of the whole situation? He explicitly forbade you from
joining the show, and now, you’ve created quite a significant scandal.”
Standing unfazed as Carl raged, Calvert regarded the spoiled heir with an impassive gaze.
He had spent years handling the wayward youth and was well-acquainted with these fits of temper. Since childhood, Carl had
careened out of control, with no one capable of reining in his whims. Joining the show was just his latest act of rebellion.
Before Carl could retort, his phone rang, and the caller ID caused his bluster to evaporate.
“I’m sorry!” Carl scrambled to answer, holding out the phone deferentially.
“It’s my father. Please, can you talk to him?”
Without uttering a word, Calvert accepted the phone and switched on the speaker.
Enraged yelling instantly reverberated through the room.
“You worthless punk! Why did BRD withdraw funding? Get back here immediately!”
After the incident within the practice room, Ariana’s team was catapulted to fame, becoming a sensation online.
“I sense there’s more to Ariana’s identity,” one fan commented with suspicion.
“She brought Julio in the show and received support from the head director. What kind of powerful background does she
possess?”
“If she truly doesn’t have a sponsor as they claim, could she be a wealthy heiress?” Others wildly gossiped about Ariana’s
enigmatic origins.
Nonetheless, most fans eagerly anticipated the next round of competition.
“Sadie rated their team too low last time, creating a substantial gap in points between the groups,” one fan critiqued.
“It’ll be a tough challenge for Ariana’s team to advance to the next round unless a miracle happens,” another predicted somberly.
“With singing next, and their team seeming weak in that area compared to the others, it’s going to be challenging,” a fan
observed.
“Can’t wait to see what unfolds!” Many wrote with excitement.
Soon, it was time to film the much-anticipated second episode.
In contrast to the modest viewership of the premiere, Ariana’s team now drew record-breaking numbers to their livestream,
emerging as the most viewed team by far. As soon as the stream began, millions of eager fans tuned in.
Off-camera, the team members were also aware of the explosive growth in viewership. Woodrow stood in the shadows, where
even the Light makeup he wore couldn’t conceal his nervous, pallid complexion.
Noticing his unease, Ariana asked gently, “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
Woodrow shook his head, stammering, “Just. just nervous. I’m worried my singing will drag everyone down.”
Singing was never his strong suit. Painfully tone-deaf, he’d been criticized for it since childhood. The song’s high range felt
impossible for him to conquer.