Chapter 230
Word had spread fast. Businesses outside the venue started reaching out to Olivia, one after another, hoping she’d represent their piano brands.
Inside the backstage lounge, Olivia lounged on the sofa, her phone lighting up nonstop with calls from big-name companies. She couldn’t help but smile, a quiet pride glowing on her face.
“Mom, Dad, we need to be careful about which endorsements I take,” Olivia said firmly. “Forget the small brands or any that don’t pay much. After they announce the winner, my value is going to skyrocket. Settling for something average now would only bring my price down.”
“Olivia, you make your father so proud,” Steven said, beaming as he gently ran his fingers through her hair. “People with real talent always stand out, no matter where they are.”
“That’s right,” Elizabeth chimed in, barely able to contain her excitement. She was already thinking ahead to the awards. “Olivia, Kenneth is presenting this year, isn’t he?”
Olivia nodded. Kenneth was her absolute favorite celebrity. Just the thought of him made her heart flutter.
“Remember to give it your best in front of him,” Elizabeth advised, her meaning clear. She’d heard all about the boys at school who liked Olivia, especially Andrew. The Blair family was impressive, sure, but the Gates family was in a league of its own. Having more admirers could only help.
“I will,” Olivia promised, a shy smile spreading across her lips. She was determined
to catch Kenneth’s eye. No way was she letting Charlotte get there first.
The scores were all in now. The ten contestants lined up on stage while the audience buzzed with excitement, waiting for the judges to announce the winners. The last two contestants had gotten 90 and 92 points. At this point, everyone knew who the top three would be.
Charlotte sat in the crowd, propping her chin on her hand as she scrolled through news updates on her phone. Olivia’s original piece, “Light,” was exploding online. In half an hour, her performance video had been reposted by every influencer imaginable, racking up over five million views. The comments were pouring in.
This is the most incredible piano piece I’ve ever heard. It felt like I was right there inside the music.
The composer and performer is a senior at Vanguard High School. Not only that, she’s ranked first in her grade.
A senior at Vanguard and top of her class? Thanks for the reminder that I’m a total slacker.
Charlotte flipped through a couple more pages, her face unreadable, when a message from Anthony popped up.
Lottie, don’t wander off. I’ll come get you after it’s over.
She shot back a quick, Okay, and tossed her phone back in her bag, but couldn’t stop a soft smile from tugging at her lips.
Meanwhile, the ceremony was
reaching
its climax. The callet
in on Laura as the
voice rang out through the hall
Let’s welcome the chair of the judging panel, Laura, to the stage to announce our top three winners.
The applause was thunderous. But instead of coming up, Laura stayed put and spoke into the mic.
Sorry, but I have a question for contestant number eight.
Everyone went silent. Was this the moment? Was Laura about to offer to mentor Olivia right here, in front of everyone?
Olivia straightened up, doing her best
in the excitement bubbling She flashed Lauret
dazzling smile.
Please, go ahead.
Laura had singled her out in front of the entire room. That had to mean something. Olivia was sure o of it She was about to become Laura’s student.