Chapter 61
In the VIP section, Nathan watched the woman on stage, but his mind drifted to scenes from years ago.
Harrison Group’s transformation had been brutal
Especially pivoting from traditional industry to high–tech.
Years back, the night he’d committed to that path, he knew the coming years would be hell.
At least he’d had Amelia beside him then.
Three hundred sixty–five days a year, they’d bounced between cities, even countries.
He remembered that winter when they went to negotiate in Country Z, only to discover it was a setup.
They’d barely escaped, forced to flee by boat.
That winter had been freezing, the escape route rough as hell–choppy seas, constant rocking.
Since they were running, the boat was a piece of shit.
No signal at sea, future totally uncertain.
During those 12 hours on that ferry, the only people they could trust completely were each other.
The ocean was ice–cold.
They’d huddled in the cabin, and even wrapped in every piece of clothing and blanket they could find, they still shook from the cold.
Seeing her lips turn purple from the chill, he knew he looked just as bad.
All he’d felt then was rage–rage at walking into that trap, rage at not being strong enough, at dragging her through this hell.
She must’ve sensed his dark spiral and grabbed his hand.
“Nathan, I’m freezing,” she’d said, snapping him out of it and forcing him to focus. “Are you cold?”
He’d looked at her and nodded.
She got him, knew pep talks wouldn’t work, so she redirected his attention instead.
He’d known that after 12 hours, if they made it to shore safely, everything would work out,
But if they didn’t, they’d be fish food.
The waiting, paranoia, worry, and anxiety in between were pure torture.
But right then, she’d smiled and scooted closer: “Hold me, okay?”
She’d said: “Maybe if we stick together, we won’t be so cold.”
No hesitation–he’d pulled her close.
Snow started falling over the ocean outside their cabin, winter seagulls flying past with their eerie calls.
Through the tiny porthole, the world was painted in cold gray–blue.
The two of them had huddled under blankets in that rocking cabin, with nobody but each other.
-L–nd how cho’d smelled then. her hair’s scent filling his nose.
Chapter 61
She’d curled up in his arms, so tiny, but somehow making him feel completely afe.
Two hearts pressed together, beating as one.
Suddenly, the cold didn’t matter anymore.
He’d kissed her forehead and whispered: “Everything’s gonna be fine.”
She’d mumbled “mm” into his chest.
It had made his heart incredibly steady.
In the audience, Charlotte’s eyes were getting misty and Lester was already whimpering like a puppy, wiping tears.
Charlotte couldn’t help smacking her brother.
“Can you not be so fucking loud?” Charlotte griped.
“But it’s really sad,” Lester turned to his sister with watery eyes. “Sis, don’t hit me.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes: “I barely tapped your shoulder.
“Oh… I just assumed you were hitting me,” Lester said through tears. “I heard all the performers write their own original stuff. There are guest judges. but they just help out–it’s mainly the contestants‘ own work.”
“What did she go through to write something like this…”
Lester whispered from behind, but Nathan caught every word.
Nathan studied the woman performing on stage.
He remembered how incredible her first “Voice of Heaven” performance had been.
And everything she’d pulled at the charity gala…
Yeah.
What kind of hell does a woman have to survive to reach this level?
She sat there looking completely self–sufficient and strong, like she didn’t need anybody’s help, handling everything flawlessly on her own./
But somehow, it was heartbreaking to watch.
The light rock elements softened the song’s sadness–maybe like how she was now, having weathered countless storms, looking back with total detachment.
No screaming or breakdown, but it could make you toss and turn hearing it at AM.
Nathan couldn’t help glancing at Louie standing near the front of the stage.
Was Louie the one who’d brought Elena to this point?
The lighting was cold and lonely. While everyone was absorbed in the performance, Vivian dodged the cameras and slipped into the corridor, constantly firing off voice messages.
Vivi: Didn’t you say Elena couldn’t handle the old man? How the hell is she still here?
SesCavi: Fuck if I know what she told him in that tea room. After we got back to the family compound that day, even though Grandpa didn’t specifically call me out, he made it clear he’s staying out of us three brothers‘ business.
Chapter 61
Vivi: So how do we crush her now? I can’t let that charity auction bullshit slide
SesCavi: Louie hasn’t completely ditched me yet. I’m working on maybe getting big brother involved too.
Vivi: He might not back your play though.
SesCavi: Worth a shot. Even though big brother’s got the edge among us three and usually just watches me and Louie duke it out, if things shift, he’s not stupid.
SesCavi: Don’t sweat it, I’m always team Vivian. I dig your “by any means necessary” vibe. You want something, you take it. Methods? Whatever works. fuck everything else.
Vivi: What about tonight? Did you tank her audio and video quality?
SesCavi: Handled.
Reading the replies, Vivian finally chilled out a bit.
She looked up at the filming gear nearby, wheels turning.
Getting pissed at Elena lately, she’d almost forgotten her original game plan.
She still had dirt on Elena’s miscarriage, plus the donation fraud angle now–destroying Elena would be a cakewalk!
With that thought, Vivian emerged from the corridor and walked into the backstage area.
Settling on the couch, she glanced at the nearby camera and dabbed at her eyes.
The host immediately tried to comfort her.
Vivian shook her head and said bravely: “That story really got to me. Brought back so many memories. Elena is… honestly incredible!”
Mars thought hell had frozen over–Vivian actually praising Elena?
When the host pushed for more, Vivian stayed quiet, just watching the broadcast through teary eyes.
Her plan was to tear down Elena while milking her for publicity.
No matter how talented Elena was, she’d always be Vivian’s stepping stone!
The higher Elena climbed, the more it elevated Vivian’s own position!
When the timing was right, she’d use the dirt she had to grind Elena into the pavement.
With that thought, Vivian wiped away more crocodile tears.
Putting on that signature fragile–yet–beautiful expression.
And when the masked woman finished her song, Vivian led the applause.
♡(17)
(0)
25.1%
