“Mr. Nichols, everything is fine. Why not take a seat and enjoy the show?”

Juan’s brow furrowed in impatience. “Debra is sick. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Hannah maintained her calm demeanor. “While Ms. Frazier is indeed unwell, it won’t impact the program. Moreover, it’s Ms. Frazier’s express wish that the show continue.”

Joe asked, “Sir, should we proceed?”

Juan remained silent, and Hannah added, “Mr. Nichols, the show is about to begin. I’m sure you don’t mind this slight delay.” She leaned in and whispered, “Ms. Frazier will be here soon. Don’t worry.”

At her reassurance, Juan’s frown softened slightly. Just then, the guests and judges arrived, many greeting Juan and Edgar.

“Mr. Nichols, Mr. Odom, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Hannah stepped aside, wiping her sweat. Debra had certainly delegated effectively. The man before her was the formidable Juan. Angering him could jeopardize her career at Potter Entertainment.

Meanwhile, backstage, a group of female trainees craned their necks to glimpse the handsome men.

“Wow, it’s really Mr. Nichols.” Eve, smiling confidently, adjusted her hair and approached them. “Mr. Odom, Mr. Nichols, I’m trainee Eve. My father is the chairman of Potter Entertainment. Mr. Odom, we’ve met before,” she said.

Edgar, ever the gentleman, nodded politely. “Good luck with your performance.”

“Thank you, Mr. Odom.”

Other trainees, seizing the opportunity, crowded around. Ashley, pushing to the front, looked at Juan with unabashed admiration.

“Mr. Nichols, we’re on the same team as Debra. We saw you pick her up last time.”

Juan remained impassive, barely acknowledging her.

Undeterred, Ashley continued, “It’s a shame Debra isn’t here today. She vanished last night, and no one knows her whereabouts. But she’s always chauffeured in luxury cars. We’re so envious.” Her implication was clear: Debra was being kept by other men.

Juan frowned and asked sternly, “What are you trying to imply?”

Ashley faltered. “I-I’m not implying anything. I just think Debra is lucky to have such a devoted husband. If I were her, I’d never want a divorce.”

Juan’s voice cut through the air. “You don’t even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as her.”

Sensing the tension, the director intervened swiftly. “Do you still need to rehearse? Or are you done with your preparations? Hurry up and get back to it.”

The trainees scattered. He turned to Juan and Edgar, apologizing profusely. “Mr. Odom, Mr. Nichols, I’m truly sorry. The new trainees are still learning.”

Juan and Edgar remained stoic, their displeasure evident. The director, feeling the weight of their silence, offered an awkward smile.

The atmosphere shifted upon Cathryn’s arrival. The director hurried to greet her. Cathryn, though recently embroiled in an online controversy, had been aided by the Nichols Group, resolving the issue.