Chapter 372: You Will Have Hell to Pay (+5 Pearls)

"I'd like to take a look backstage, too. Is that all right, Carlos?" Isabella asked eagerly.

Christopher and Rosalie, realizing they needed to keep up with the gossip, followed suit. Under their expectant gazes, Carlos had no choice but to lead them backstage.

Many waiting rooms of varying sizes lined the hallway, filled with bustling activity. Everyone greeted Carlos respectfully. Technically, all the performers were Carlos's students, having attended his academy classes. However, he had one favored student, a gifted individual he tutored privately and hoped to mentor carefully.

Despite this, Carlos treated everyone equally that day, visiting each waiting room to offer encouragement and advice. Isabella and the others casually observed from the doorways.

"I'm just now seeing what he's like as a teacher," Rosalie remarked with a laugh. "It's impressive that he can advise every student."

"And he always gets it right," Christopher added. "Look at the admiration and excitement in their eyes. He's incredibly popular."

From my observations, it seems Carlos has more than one admirer. It's understandable. He's handsome, wealthy, skilled, and kind—no wonder the students are smitten.

Christopher and Rosalie agreed, but also felt Carlos was rather naive. Entirely devoted to music, they worried he might remain alone.

Carlos led them to the last waiting room. Before they could knock, they heard a heated argument from within.

A female voice, trembling but resolute, said, "The performance order was determined by drawing lots. You can't—"

"Sylvie, do you think you can score extra points by going last? What a foolish notion! How can you compare to me vocally? I'm Mr. Carlos's student, and my performance must be perfect. You're just jealous and trying to sabotage me," Penelope sneered coldly.

Carlos's student? Could this be his favorite?

Seeing Carlos halt at the doorway, Christopher and Rosalie exchanged frantic glances. Isabella, however, was already fuming. What the heck? The girl who confessed to Carlos is a bully? He doesn't have a good eye for students. Fortunately, it's only a teacher-student relationship; he's probably never seen this side of her before. He already looks furious.

Inside, Penelope continued her tirade. "Most of the audience is here for me, a genius. Do you think anyone will stay for your performance after mine? I'm doing you a favor by letting you switch. Know your place. I'm not in a good mood. If I don't perform well because of you and disappoint Mr. Carlos, you will have hell to pay!"

What an odious tone! Is she naturally this way, or deliberately bullying Sylvie?

Christopher and Rosalie, equally annoyed, silently criticized Carlos's poor judgment.

Penelope pressed on, "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Still not willing to admit defeat? Ha, Sylvie, I know about your schemes. Be careful, or I'll expose them."

A short while later, a hoarse voice replied, "I I understand."

"Hmph! Good."

She gave in? Is she threatened, or afraid of Carlos's backing? If so, how many others has she bullied using Carlos's name? Christopher and Rosalie found the whole situation sickening.

Unable to endure it any longer, Carlos pushed open the door, interrupting them.

"Ah, Mr Carlos"

"Mr. Carlos?"

Isabella peered inside and saw two girls—one standing, one seated. The standing girl, wearing glasses, exuded refined elegance, but her body trembled, her eyes reddened. She was clearly distraught.

The seated girl, though pretty, looked bewildered, a flush spreading across her face. She hadn't expected to be caught.