Chapter 28

Joshua and Lilliana followed Gerry's car out of the store, watching its taillights disappear. Lilliana, clinging to Joshua's arm, grimaced. "Who would have thought Alice could do something like that? She even got close to Gerry."

Joshua looked away. "Gerry isn't interested in her that way."

Lilliana retorted, "But if she offers it to him, why would he refuse? No commitment, nothing to lose. Maybe she's using this to get into the competition."

A painful tightness gripped Joshua's chest. He knew Alice wouldn't stoop so low. Hearing Lilliana's comments disgusted him. "Let's go home," he said.

"Joshua," Lilliana wondered aloud, "do you think Gerry's sudden kindness to Alicia means he's already chosen her?"

Joshua felt a sinking feeling. He shook his head. "If Gerry planned to choose her, there'd be no contest. He would have already decided."

Lilliana's expression softened. "You're probably right. Alice is just trying to stay in the picture." She sighed in relief.

Their worries were short-lived. Gerry announced an open selection process, with online voting. Lilliana smiled widely. "I have a lot of fans. Even if only a fraction vote, Alicia doesn't stand a chance. What is Gerry thinking? Is he planning to fail?"

Joshua remained serious. "If this is a live event, you'll have to sing the song yourself. Can you do it?"

Lilliana dismissed his concern. "I'll be fine. I just need a few practice sessions."

They had Iris's song—impeccable. Lilliana loved it, but Joshua felt uneasy. Something didn't feel right, though he couldn't place it. He suspected things weren't as secure as they seemed. A guaranteed victory now seemed less certain. Lilliana had Caden's support, yet he hadn't acted. Who else could be working against them? He couldn't identify anyone.

Competition day arrived, buzzing with excitement. Judges, Green and Yates family members, and several high-profile guests—paid for by both families—were present. Lilliana's team was in full swing, flooding social media with contest messages and setting up a livestream.

Gerry, seated in the back, smiled at Caden. "Die-hard Lilliana fans are in for a treat today."

Caden casually sipped water. "So sure Alicia will win?"

Gerry puffed out his chest. "Of course. But… forget it. Alicia wouldn't want me to spill the beans."

A sinister smile touched Caden's lips. "Since when do you care what women say?"

Gerry leaned back. "It's a promise between Alicia and me. I can't break it."

As the competition began, the chatter ceased. The stage lights illuminated Lilliana in an elaborate costume. She sang powerfully, pouring her heart into every note.

Online voting exploded on the big screen.

Gerry shook his head. "The song's good, but her voice lacks depth… it falls short."

Caden watched impassively, curious about Alicia's performance.

For two minutes, the stage was dark. Then, a single spotlight revealed Alicia at a piano, in a light blue dress. An eerie silence fell.

Alicia raised her hands. As the first notes sounded, she began to hum, her melody filling the room. Her striking voice captivated the audience.

The audience stirred, surprised. "Wait, is that his voice…?" someone whispered.

Murmurs spread. Those expecting a mediocre performance were stunned. Lilliana's disbelief was palpable; her face went white. It wasn't just the song's quality—Alicia's voice was exactly like Iris's, surpassing even Iris's previous performance.

Lilliana's agent rushed over, panicked. "Bad news, Lilliana! The livestream is flooded with worrying comments."

Lilliana's fans noticed something was amiss. The chat exploded—some questioning Lilliana's integrity, others praising Alicia. Alicia's votes soared, quickly overtaking Lilliana's.