Blake spoke into the mic, his voice full of emotion. “This engagement was arranged by my mother right after I was born. The other person is the daughter of her best friend. After my mother passed away, I was adopted and only found out about the engagement much later. They said it was her dying wish. But what might have seemed like a serious promise could have just been a casual comment. Now that she’s gone, I can’t even remember her face, let alone ask her about it. I believe in love, and I want to marry someone I truly love. If that love is returned, nothing would be better.”
He stared at Bianca in the audience as he spoke. Although it seemed like he was addressing everyone, his words were clearly meant for her.
His feelings for her weren’t because of the engagement. He really liked her.
Bianca couldn’t bring herself to look at him directly. She lowered her eyes, unsure of how to respond to his sincere words.
Diana looked at Bianca, then at Blake with her lips pressed tightly together. She wondered how many secrets the two were hiding.
Blake’s emotional words changed the mood in the room.
What had started as doubt and disappointment in the crowd turned into sympathy and admiration.
“I didn’t realize he had such a tragic past…” someone whispered.
“It’s the modern era. Those promises shouldn’t be so binding!” another person said, speaking strongly.
“If the engagement was his mother’s last wish, it makes sense if he wants to honor it,” a third person reasoned.
“I admire his talent, his courage, and his resilience. He’s my idol, and he should be free to choose who to marry. As long as he’s happy, I will support him,” another admirer said.
“I hope he isn’t held back by these old promises. He deserves to be with someone who loves him as much as he loves her. Of course, I’ll always love him!” another person said passionately.
These comments gave both Bianca and Diana a sense of relief. They hadn’t expected such a quick and positive change in public opinion.
On the judges’ panel, Brandon’s face darkened.
He had planned to use this issue to cause trouble for Blake, but Blake’s words had unexpectedly turned the situation in his favor.
Blake turned to Brandon on the stage, his voice now sharper.
“Mr. Foster, is my answer good enough for you? As a judge, you deserve my respect. But I’m confused. If you have questions, why not ask me privately? I would have answered truthfully. Why bring up my personal life here? Isn’t that an invasion of privacy, or do you have a personal agenda?” Blake asked.
His bold challenge shifted the mood in the room, making the audience see things differently.
Brandon was taken aback by the direct confrontation. The crowd started whispering and talking among themselves.
“Is Brandon trying to embarrass Blake on purpose? Does he have some hidden motive?” someone wondered aloud.
“Could he be jealous of Blake’s talent and worried about being outshined?” someone asked.
“No way, Brandon wouldn’t do that,” another person said.
“People aren’t always what they seem, especially celebrities. Who knows what happens behind the scenes?” another person added.
“I don’t care. If Blake loses today, it’s definitely a conspiracy,” someone else declared.
Brandon felt annoyed as he heard the whispers. He glared at Blake, who just smirked in response.
Brandon’s anger deepened. If it weren’t for his contract with the show’s sponsor, the Phoenix Alliance Group, which he had agreed to out of respect for Dave, he might have walked off the stage.
With everyone watching, Brandon forced a smile.
“You’re overthinking this. I’m known for being direct. Please don’t take it personally. Now that you’ve explained, I’m sure the audience will make up their own minds. Let’s leave it at that,” Brandon said, trying to ease the tension.
The host quickly stepped in to shift the focus.
“Let’s take a short break and get ready for our final contestant,” the host announced with a smile.
It was then that Bianca remembered the next contestant was supposed to be Reese.
But where was she?
Bianca had forgotten all about Reese in the chaos with Blake.
She quickly grabbed her phone and called Reese’s number.
Reese had been nearby earlier, attending an event close to the “Star Search” filming venue. The fact that she hadn’t called yet felt strange and worrying.
After what seemed like forever, Reese finally answered.
“Reese, you’re next. Where are you? What’s taking so long?” Bianca asked in a worried tone.
Breathing heavily, Reese said, “I… just got to the entrance. Bianca, could you give me a few more minutes? I’ll be ready soon.”
Bianca frowned slightly and ended the call, feeling both frustrated and helpless.
Reese had said she was on her way earlier. She should have been here by now. What could have delayed her? Did something happen?
But Bianca didn’t have time to think about it. She quickly stood up and headed backstage to find Bruno Foster, the production manager, hoping he could help delay Reese’s turn.
Bianca knocked lightly on Bruno’s office door and, once given permission, opened it gently.
As soon as she entered, Bianca hesitated.
Dave sat on the sofa, commanding the room’s attention. Bruno was beside him, speaking with a tone that bordered on flattery.
Both men turned their eyes to Bianca as she walked in.
Bruno looked surprised, while Dave’s expression remained cold and distant.
“Miss Scott, what brings you here?” Bruno asked.
Bianca glanced nervously at Dave before turning to Bruno. “Mr. Foster, I need to discuss something urgent.”
Bruno seemed to understand right away. He smiled and said, “Mr. Evans is practically one of us. Go ahead, speak your mind.”
Bianca took a deep breath and focused on the issue. Dave’s presence didn’t matter unless he got involved.
She bit her lip briefly, then said firmly, “Reese’s been delayed on her way here. Is it possible to give her a few extra minutes before she goes on?”
Bruno frowned. “We’ve already made exceptions for Reese. The schedule is set, and any more delays would mean asking everyone to stay longer just for her.”
Standing next to Dave, Bruno’s voice became more assertive. He needed to make sure Dave didn’t think their operations were disorganized.
Bianca, staying polite, quickly apologized. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Foster. This came up unexpectedly. Reese’s in the dressing room now, just a few more minutes.”