Chapter 54

The show ended, leaving everyone dazed, including Thomas and Luke. Lydia rose, took Selina's arm, and stepped forward. They bowed, and only then did the audience grasp the enormity of what they'd witnessed. An unprecedented roar erupted: "Encore! Encore!"

Selina and the others retreated backstage, where Frank and his band wore gloomy expressions. Thomas asked Mr. Stevens, "What do you think? Our performance seems much more attractive than yours. Have you considered taking back what you just said?"

Lydia retorted, "You're a loser. How dare you covet my treasure guitar player? Look at yourself—you rely on looks and lineage. You'll be forgotten in a few years." This deliberate insult only fueled Frank's anger.

Selina, even more ruthless, responded, "Lydia, ignore them. Losers like them need ignorant women to boost their egos." Her words cut Frank and his band like knives. Lydia, overjoyed, apologized, "Selina's straightforward; she doesn't mince words. Don't take it to heart."

Thomas and Luke were stunned. They'd viewed Lydia as queenly, never imagining Selina, seemingly gentle and beautiful, could be so scathing.

Frank gritted his teeth. He'd seen Selina perform at the Starlight Club; her skill was good then, but nothing compared to tonight's legendary performance. Selina had hidden her strength! On that vast stage, she'd become a legend, her guitar playing superb and impeccable. She'd instantly defeated Black Smoke's guitarist—no, not just them; all the guitarists at the festival were outmatched. The musicians, with their finely honed senses, knew this with absolute certainty. And Lydia, the ace drummer, was equally captivating. The performance was breathtaking; Selina was phenomenal, but Lydia's rhythmic support was undeniable.

Lydia had also swiftly defeated all the other drummers. Thomas and Luke, the lead singer and bassist, paled in comparison.

"Thomas," Selina declared, "you hide behind women. Are you even a man? The Rose depends on the drummer and guitarist." She continued, addressing both men, "Without them, you'd be homeless. The Rose's popularity is solely due to these two women. You're losers, forever hiding behind women."

Thomas and Luke's faces fell. They knew they couldn't compare to Selina and Lydia's rhythm, skill, and presence. Without them, The Rose wouldn't exist.

Before Frank could finish mocking them, Selina slapped him. The powerful blow sent him sprawling, screaming, "Ow!" The sound jolted Black Smoke into action; they rushed to his aid.

Thomas and Luke stared, astonished. Selina, cold and resolute, said, "Who dares insult my friends?" She then stomped on Frank's leg, eliciting a scream of pain. This was Selina's chance to retaliate against those who'd wronged her friends.

Thomas and Luke's hearts pounded as they watched their courageous "friend." Justin intervened, "Selina! Don't think we won't hit you because you're a woman!"

Lydia, however, countered, "Bring it on. I've been waiting for this. You insult my friends, and you'll pay. A band like yours shouldn't exist in Clusia. The industry's too lenient. I dislike you intensely!" She cracked her knuckles, sneering at Black Smoke. She'd been frustrated by her inability to fight alongside Selina earlier; now, the opportunity had presented itself.

The tension was palpable. Backstage staff watched, even snapping photos. They wanted a fight. Ultimately, the agents from both bands intervened. Frank, helped to his feet, glared at Selina. "Bitch! You'll pay for this!"

Selina sneered, "I'll give you a chance for revenge. Fight me alone, or with your useless teammates. It doesn't matter."

Lydia excitedly chimed in, "Count me in!"

Selina, arm around Lydia, smirked, "You might need more help; we need a good workout. Don't say we bullied you."

Frank sputtered, "You arrogant bitches! Even if you win, what will people think? You're cruel!"

Although Frank desired vengeance, Selina's words were designed to humiliate them. Her previous attack had been a surprise; now, alert, Frank believed he could easily defeat them. He underestimated Selina's confidence and fighting prowess.