Chapter 50

The stage lights dimmed as the performances of all eight groups concluded.

At the judges' table, the mentors were busy tallying the final scores.

"In first place—Damian Cross's team!" the host announced loudly. "Second place goes to Aria Bennett's team! Third place, Nolan Reed's team!"

Serena Blake stood at the edge of the stage, her fingers unconsciously twisting the fabric of her skirt. She had performed flawlessly—why was she only ranked fourth?

The livestream voting session began under the supervision of official auditors.

As the numbers on the screen rapidly changed, Serena's smile slowly froze.

"Team ranking sixth—Serena Blake's team!"

Her head snapped up, disbelief flashing in her eyes as she stared at the screen. How was this possible?

The individual rankings were even more devastating. Every member of Aria's team had risen significantly, while one of Serena's trainees had been eliminated.

"Judge!" The eliminated trainee suddenly stepped forward. "Our mentor Serena performed so well, why—"

"Because she overshadowed all of you," a female judge cut in bluntly. "The entire performance looked like a backup dance for her. There was no spotlight left for the trainees."

Serena's eyes reddened instantly. These judges must have been bribed by Aria!

Backstage, Aria watched the wisp of dissipating luck above Serena's head and smirked.

In her past life, that same trainee had been blindly devoted to Serena. Now, he resented her. Interesting.

"Aria!" Mason Bell and his four teammates surrounded her. "Can we still be on your team next round?"

Aria shook her head with a smile. "That depends on the production crew."

"If we get to choose, we’d pick you again!" Elliot Hayes said eagerly, his eyes shining.

After removing her makeup, Aria stepped out of the dressing room—only to run into Damian standing across the hallway.

"Damian," she greeted politely.

He moved beside her naturally. "Walk together?"

Inside the elevator, the man suddenly leaned in, his warm breath brushing her ear. "Be careful of Logan Price."

Aria's pulse jumped. Since when did this aloof award-winning actor start paying attention to such things?

In the parking lot, Nolan Reed strode toward them from his car. "Aria, we need to talk."

His gaze turned icy the moment it landed on Damian. Since when had this notoriously solitary actor gotten so close to Aria?