Chapter 20: Collaborative Performance
Hayley’s POV
Henry noticed Christopher seemed interested in me and decided to join our conversation. He teased Christopher, “Have you seen so many pretty actresses that you’ve developed a taste for the less attractive ones? Your taste is so unique!”
Ignoring him, Christopher continued, “I have a fan meeting later. Would you like to come and see?”
I squinted at him, instantly realizing his motive. He probably wanted to show off his charm and popularity, hoping to impress me. Or maybe he wanted me to see his legions of fans and understand the difference between us, preventing me from “covering” him.
Finding the situation amusing, I agreed. George recalled the previous kidnapping incident. Concerned for my safety, he asked Benjamin to join us and protect me.
“Christopher! Christopher! Christopher!”
I was overwhelmed by the loud cheers from fans as Christopher stepped onto the stage. Cameras flashed nonstop as he appeared. He was wearing a sharp suit and appeared to shine like a star in the spotlight.
“Hello, everyone, I’m Christopher Southwell,” he greeted, flashing a smile that could win anyone over. Clearing his throat, he leaned close to the microphone and said, “This is my first fan meeting in Astoria, so I’ve got a little surprise for you all!”
The fans instantly erupted in excitement. Their cheers echoed in my ears.
“Have you all seen my recent drama? Today, I’ll be reenacting a key scene from it. I’ll select a few of you to act with me.” Christopher signaled his agent to walk over.
Receiving the instruction, the agent held up a poster with a QR code. “Scan the QR code on this to enter the selection. The system will choose a few lucky fans to join Christopher on stage.”
Fans immediately pulled out their phones and began scanning the QR code. “Have you all scanned it?” the agent asked. Once he received confirmation, he moved to the side and started announcing names.
I knew those so-called “lucky fans” were prearranged. Still, they acted surprised when their names were called. After the agent distributed scripts and props to the chosen fans, the crowd buzzed again, asking, “Where’s the female lead?”
Christopher looked toward the audience and said, “To avoid making fans jealous, we’ll pick the female lead.”
As expected, I knew he wasn’t up to anything good when he invited me to the fan meeting. Watching his triumphant expression, I cursed him silently.
The agent, seeing my awkward makeup, looked worried. After all, I wasn’t a prearranged actress, especially for the lead role. He leaned close and whispered, “Ms. Carson, you don’t have any lines. Just follow along with Christopher’s performance.”
Forced to play along, I felt displeased but still cooperated with Christopher for his performance. In the final scene, his eyes welled up with tears as he smiled. Then, he turned around and slowly closed his eyes. He was ready to face death. It was the climax of his new drama. Deeply immersed, the fans in the audience cried their hearts out.
Suddenly, Hera, my wolf, sensed a dangerous presence and warned, “There’s danger! Quickly let me take over!”
Before I could decide whether to risk transforming and exposing my Alpha identity, I saw a glint of a dagger aimed at the defenseless Christopher. I rushed to push Christopher out of harm’s way, narrowly dodging the dagger myself. Despite my efforts, the blade grazed my arm, and blood began to flow.