"Heavenly Sound" has already gone through four episodes from the first one to now. Initially, the show’s attention was primarily due to Vera Hansen. Because, among many music competitions, this one didn’t feature high-level singers; the participants were new-generation singers, the oldest being 25. However, midway through, Irene appeared and garnered enormous attention. Especially from the third episode onward, when Irene was freed from the suppression of audio and video quality, countless people acknowledged her talent. But after the fourth episode ended, the situation took a sharp downturn. The scandal about Irene’s fake donations and power-for-favors deals hasn’t led to her withdrawal from the competition, even on the eve of the "Heavenly Sound" finals. The internet is filled with condemnations. "What are they doing? Irene’s situation is like that, why hasn’t she been disqualified yet?" "I’ll wait until tomorrow morning. If Irene hasn’t withdrawn by then, I’ll immediately leave a negative review!" "Right, how can someone like Irene thrive? Is there even any justice left?" The official account of "Heavenly Sound" has been overwhelmed. Under the latest post, it’s full of boycott and insults, with countless voices emerging. The same goes for the account of Ford Entertainment. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⚫𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⚫𝘯𝘦𝘵 Since no one could uncover who was behind the Irene alias, they all went to Ford Entertainment to vent their anger. And then Beatrice Sawyer. During rehearsals, Beatrice posted her rehearsal vlog, which included a masked figure easily recognized as contestant Irene. Countless people commented below, asking if that person was Irene, and whether she had withdrawn. Initially, Beatrice didn’t reply. Finally, feeling "forced," she responded— Beatrice Sawyer: Stop asking me, okay? If you keep asking, this post might disappear. I’m not the producer, I can’t make decisions. Whatever you see is what it is. This reply was truly intriguing in tone. Everyone had their own interpretations. [Stop asking or this post will disappear] = [If the heat gets any higher, I’ll be silenced]. [I’m not the producer, I can’t make decisions] = [Someone backed by Ford Entertainment can do whatever they want, like a Royal Clan member]. [Whatever you see is what it is] = [Saw a masked woman, Irene is rehearsing, shamelessly competing]. Some netizens can be quite astute. Beatrice Sawyer laughed uncontrollably on her bed seeing these comments. "You guys are the best!" she said, wiping the tears from her laughter. She glanced at her tablet, where the latest documents from her agency had been sent. These documents detailed the resources promised after the "Heavenly Sound" competition ends. Based on rankings, each company’s promised resources were clearly listed. Among them, the resources offered by Hawthorne Group were particularly compelling. "The champion title is definitely mine." Beatrice Sawyer tapped the resource list with determination in her eyes, "As long as I hitch onto the Hawthorne ship, resources will never be a concern!" "Irene, no matter how strong your abilities are, what’s the use? Forcing yourself into the competition leads to being completely blackballed online!" Serena Sterling had just walked out from the Ford Entertainment training complex. Just as she was about to enter the parking lot, she heard two honks. Serena looked over and saw a man standing not too far away. He wore a black shirt, leaning against his car, holding a bag in one hand and a ragdoll cat in his arms. It was Silas Hawthorne. "Serena." He noticed her gaze and called out with a smile. Ever since the rumor with Jasper Ford broke out, she entered and exited the practice rooms wearing a mask and cap, and yet he could still recognize her. Previously, he wanted to recommend a lawyer to her, but she declined, having already chosen Lawyer Huxley. Although he said it wouldn’t require any conditions or returns, she couldn’t pretend to know nothing. Thinking this, Serena walked toward Silas Hawthorne. "Is there something you need?" Serena halted in front of Silas Hawthorne and asked. "Last time, I sent you a video of my cat doing flips. I noticed you didn’t reply, so I wanted it to perform live for you." Silas said, shaking the ragdoll in his arms. "Meow~" The ragdoll called out, its eyes round and gazing at Serena. "Huh?" Serena was momentarily taken aback. Is that even possible? Silas said whimsically, "Serena, you should know that having a juggler cat at home makes you want to show it off constantly." Serena looked blankly at Silas’s smiling face, her mind still processing. And yet, Silas had already set the ragdoll down, kneeling to feed it treats and patting its head. Then, the little cat really did a backflip. Serena’s lips parted slightly. It actually knows how, and flips on command? The little cat came to Serena’s feet, rubbing her leg, its large tail held high. "It likes you." Silas Hawthorne said with a smile, handing the freeze-dried treats to Serena, "Would you like to feed it?" Serena looked at the cat, then at the treats. Ultimately, she couldn’t resist, taking the treats, squatting and offering them to the cat. The cat ate with a contented rumble. Serena couldn’t help but smile. "I brought you a midnight snack." Just as Serena was watching the cat, Silas Hawthorne took out an insulated box from the bag. Serena glanced at Silas beside her, his actions were smooth as if everything was naturally orchestrated. Serena lowered her gaze slightly, feeding the cat the last bit of treats, then stood up. "Thanks, but there’s no need." Serena said politely yet distantly. With that, she nodded and turned toward her car. "My offer will always be open for you." From behind, Silas Hawthorne’s voice came. "I hope you consider leveraging me." He said, "Because it would be an honor." Serena’s hand paused slightly on the car handle, but she didn’t turn back, opened the car door, got into the driver’s seat, and drove away. Leaving Silas Hawthorne standing there. "Meow~" The cat nudged him. Silas Hawthorne sighed softly, squatting to pick the cat back up. "Still a bit frustrating, huh?" He said to the cat. "But it’s fine, it’s expected." He patted the cat’s head, watching Serena’s car leave. Serena made her way back to her rented apartment, washed up, and went to sleep. She didn’t let herself think too much, the most crucial thing was tomorrow’s finals. If all went smoothly, tomorrow’s final would be the day to remove the mask.