Chapter 385

“Hannah, who is she?” they asked.

Hannah introduced Debra: “Meet Debra Frazier. She’s your new colleague and a new rival.” Eyes narrowed, and whispers buzzed. Three girls protested.

“I know her. She’s the Frazier family’s heiress.”

“Not the heiress anymore. She’s broke,” another countered, adding, “and it’s been trending recently.”

“Hannah, this is ridiculous! Are you just going to let some pampered princess waltz in here and compete with us?”

Debra shifted uncomfortably, feeling their stares. She was an outsider, and she knew it. Andrew had warned her that only one person would emerge from this practice room. More people meant more competitors, and she had taken a shortcut to get here.

“You can choose to leave. No one is stopping you,” Hannah said, unfazed by their protests. The atmosphere grew tense. She continued, “If you don’t want to leave, then train hard. Even if you can’t be the standout, at least you can be a second-stringer.” Her words were sharp, cutting through the room. Everyone fell silent.

A woman with a cool demeanor spoke up. “Hannah, isn’t her presence a clear sign that we’re being eliminated?” Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.

“If she stays, we’re leaving,” someone said.

“Yes. If she stays, we all walk out,” another girl echoed.

Hannah remained unmoved. “Then leave. Those who leave now will get their termination letters and court notices by this afternoon.” The mention of court notices puzzled Debra, silencing the room.

One performer stood out, saying, “Hannah, she’s not the only one with connections. Don’t forget my dad is a board member of the company.”

Hannah replied coldly, “Let your dad talk to them then.”

“What?” The performer was shocked. “Just go, you know. When I become a star, you’ll be the first to be fired.”

Hannah raised an eyebrow. “Alright, I’ll wait for that day. But until then, you’ll have to obey under my watch.”

The crowd fell silent again. Hannah looked around, seeing disgruntled expressions, but no one dared to speak. She said, “Any objections? Alright, let’s welcome Debra.”

Under Hannah’s stern gaze, everyone reluctantly applauded. It felt less like a welcome and more like a prelude to a showdown. Debra sensed the intense hostility. Hannah patted her shoulder and said, “Bring out your best. I have high hopes for you.”

Debra stayed silent. As she walked further into the room, the other performers quickly surrounded her. They were all around twenty, each at the peak of their youth and ambition. Debra looked at them coolly. “What? Do you have something to say to me?”

One stepped forward. “We can’t do anything to Hannah, but we can deal with you.”

Another chimed in, “You better leave now, or you’ll regret it.”

Debra listened with amusement. Their threats were as insubstantial as smoke.

The first girl who had challenged her earlier noticed her smile and scowled. “What are you laughing at?”

Debra met her gaze, her voice steady and unafraid. “I’m laughing at your empty talk.”