The morning sunlight poured into the studio, but Aria felt anything but bright. Her voice was hoarse, her throat tight from a restless night. Something didn't feel right.
Ronan, her ever-loyal friend—affectionately nicknamed "Lumps" because of his warm, comforting presence—noticed immediately.
"You sound off, Ari," he said, concern knitting his brows. "You didn't get into a fight, did you? Or someone—"
Aria shook her head. "No… I just feel… uneasy. Like something's wrong."
Ronan leaned closer. "Then we fix it. You sing with me first. Warm up, just like old times. I'll catch anything that feels off."
She smiled faintly, grateful for his presence. He handed her the sheet music, and they began humming scales together. His easy teasing and laughter made her forget her nerves for a moment.
---
Meanwhile, outside the studio, Lady Eronis watched from her hidden vantage point. She had bribed a junior assistant to tamper with Aria's microphone, ensuring subtle feedback that could ruin her performance.
"This is just the beginning," Eronis whispered to herself, eyes glinting like emerald fire. "He thinks he can protect her? We'll see how far that lasts."
---
Back inside, Evelyn adjusted the mic. As soon as she sang, a sharp, piercing feedback shrieked through the speakers. Her heart jumped. The panel winced. Panic clawed at her throat.
"Lumps!" she gasped.
Ronan immediately jumped in, switching cables and adjusting the settings with practiced hands. "Don't worry, Eve! We'll handle this. Just keep singing—don't stop now."
Evelyn took a deep breath, trusting him. Her voice wavered, then strengthened, filling the room with its pure, rich tone despite the sabotage. The judges' eyes widened; even the rival singer faltered under the raw emotion Evelyn radiated.
From the shadows, Adrian watched. He had anticipated Eronis' move but allowed Evelyn to handle it herself—with Ronan's support. He smiled faintly. She's stronger than I thought… and Lumps is indispensable.
The song ended. Silence. Then applause—not just polite, but stunned, genuine. Evelyn's cheeks burned, but she couldn't stop smiling.
Ronan bumped her shoulder. "See? Nothing can stop you."
Evelyn laughed softly, relief washing over her. "Thanks… Lumps."
Outside, Lady Eronis clenched her fists, furious. How? How did she survive that?
The applause still echoed faintly in Evelyn's ears as she stepped away from the microphone. Her chest heaved, both from exertion and relief. Ronan—her ever-loyal Lumps—gave her a triumphant grin.
"You did it, Eve! That feedback fiasco? Pfft, nothing on your level. I knew you'd pull through," he said, ruffling her hair in his usual teasing way.
Evelyn chuckled despite herself. "Thanks, Lumps. I… I really couldn't have done it without you."
Ronan waved her thanks off. "Bah! Don't get all soft on me. I'm just doing my job—being awesome."
But behind them, in the shadows near the observation booth, Adrian's sharp eyes tracked every move. His lips curled into a rare, small smile. She handled sabotage brilliantly. And with Ronan supporting her… she's unstoppable.
He tapped his phone lightly. A discreet message to Ethan:
> "Keep monitoring Eronis. Any more moves, and I step in. Subtle, but decisive."
---
Meanwhile, Lady Eronis seethed in her suite across town. Her carefully laid sabotage had failed spectacularly. Her emerald eyes blazed with fury as she took a slow sip of her wine.
"She's stronger than I anticipated," Eronis murmured, voice low and dangerous. "And that man—he's already interfering. I won't allow it. Not now. Not ever."
She set the glass down with a sharp clink, her plan reforming in her mind like a serpent tightening its coil. Next time, it will hurt her personally… not just professionally.
---
Back in the studio, Evelyn and Ronan gathered her sheet music. The warmth of their teamwork lingered between them.
"Honestly," Evelyn said, eyes softening, "I don't know what I'd do without you, Lumps. You always catch me before I fall."
Ronan grinned. "And I always will. Don't you forget that. That's what friends are for."
Her heart fluttered unexpectedly. She knew Adrian was watching, somewhere in the shadows, quietly ensuring her safety. She didn't realize yet how much he cared—not just as a CEO, but as someone who wouldn't allow harm to touch her.