Chapter 14: Raising the Stakes

Everyone in the room looked at Olivia, anticipating a good show. They didn’t believe for a second that Olivia, who had struggled her way into the gates of St. Rona Academy, would dare to accept this bet.

“I’ll take the bet,” Olivia replied decisively.

While she could submit the application form herself, there was a risk of it being rejected. Only programs directly submitted by a mentor were guaranteed to remain on the list. Emma was both amused and angered by Olivia’s unwavering attitude. But then she calmed down. Even if Olivia and Isabella managed to get on stage, they wouldn’t be able to put on a decent performance. It was inevitable they would end up at the bottom, giving her the perfect excuse to kick these two out of the performing arts department.

“This is your choice,” Emma said, tossing the registration form to Olivia. Olivia grabbed the form and pulled Isabella over to fill it out.

Isabella’s mind went blank. “Livi… I…”

Olivia looked up, her gaze calm and steady. She smiled and asked, “Do you trust me?”

For some reason, Isabella felt her anxiety dissipate, replaced by a strange sense of calm. She instinctively nodded. Seeing Olivia’s defiance today had made Isabella want to take a chance too. Under Olivia’s guidance, Isabella wrote her name on the registration form. Olivia then slapped the form, with both their names on it, down on the podium. Emma half-heartedly reached for it, but Olivia held it firmly in place.

“If you regret it, now’s the time to back out,” Emma sneered, thinking Olivia was about to change her mind. “Next time, think before you act. If you can’t handle the consequences, don’t open your mouth so easily.”

Olivia smiled slightly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. “Ms. Emma, why don’t we raise the stakes?”

Emma frowned slightly.

Olivia continued, “Forget about finishing last. If Isabella and I don’t win first place in this performance, we’ll leave the academy immediately.”

Her words sent a wave of shock through the classroom. Everyone stared at Olivia in disbelief. She had gone mad! Completely insane!

If Olivia had said she didn’t want to come last, maybe she still had a fighting chance. But first place? How could she even have the nerve to say that? Every year, the winner of the performance was a standout figure at St. Rona Academy. Who did Olivia and Isabella think they were to make such a boast? Even Emma didn’t expect Olivia to propose such a do-or-die bet.

“And in return, if Isabella and I do take first place,” Olivia’s eyes gleamed, “…then you leave.”

“What did you say?” Emma exploded in anger. If not for her concern for her reputation, she would have slapped Olivia right then and there. Who did this girl think she was, daring to suggest that Emma should leave St. Rona Academy?

“What are you scared? Or do you think Isabella and I have a shot at winning first place?” Olivia’s lips curled into a faint, taunting smile.

“Ridiculous! Do you believe that the two of you have a chance to take the first position?” Emma spat back, losing control of her words.

The students below the podium buzzed with conversation, all thinking Olivia was on a suicide mission. They didn’t stand a chance, not even one in a million. Olivia let go of the registration form, giving Emma the choice. Emma glared at Olivia. Was she letting this brat get under her skin?

With only a few days left before the performance, there was no way Olivia and Isabella could pull off a decent act, even if they crammed. This was just Olivia’s way of turning the situation to her advantage, so she wouldn’t have to leave the academy if she lost.

Calming herself, Emma grabbed the corner of the form and added it to the stack of other entries.

“I’ll take your bet.”