have
Calvin’s gaze was like a blade, his voice rough and que “You don’t here the right to say Scarlett’s name!”
Sharon’s sobs grew louder.
Neither Eugene nor Calvin paid her any attention tristol, they crouched, carefully gathering, the ashes scattered on the ground. Their hands ved cautiously, almost reverently, as if they
mit were handling something priceless.
Sharon stared at their backs, her volee quivering with desperation. “Scarlett’s gone. Are you really going to lose me, too? Calvin, I was wrong for framing Scarlett, but I’ve apologized. Are you trying to push me to the edge? Eugene, you spent all that time searching for me. Well, here I am. I’m your real sister!”
At her words, Eugene and Calvin paused. Slowly, they lifted their heads, their eyes hard and piercing as they locked onto Sharon.
Eugene’s voice was as cold as lee when he asked,What do you want?”
She bit her lip, her voice shaking with emotion. “I have to be on that show… It’s my only
chance.”
Eugene and Calvin fell silent.
After a long pause, Eugene finally looked up, his voice steady but distant. “I’ll make it happen, but this is your final chance. Don’t come to us again.”
Sharon’s tears stopped instantly, a spark of hope lighting up her face. “Really? You mean it? Thank you, Eugene! Thank you, Calvin!”
She turned and walked off, her steps quick and effortless. It was as if she could already picture. herself standing beneath the stage lights again.
Once again, Eugene and Calvin crouched, their hands moving to collect the ashes scattered around them. A quiet, deep sorrow filled their eyes, as if the world had vanished, leaving behind only the two of them and the remnants before them.
In the backstage area, the lights dazzled, and people bustled around.
Renee sat in the dressing room, the run sheet from the production team in her hands. She read through each line casually. Her expression remained composed and tranquil, showing no trace
of tension.
“Ms. Callahan, we’re going live in 30 minutes. Please take a look and let me know if anything needs adjusting.” A staff member stood nearby, his tone respectful, almost overly cautious.
Renee gave a slight nod, took the new run sheet from him, and scanned it.
After a moment, she nodded again, her voice gentle and calmi as she responded, “I’m all set. Everything looks good.”
Her voice rang out clear and pleasant, impossible not to be drawn to.
The staff member didn’t leave immediately. He stayed rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on her face, a trace of distraction evident on his features
Renee noticed his gaze and, almost imperceptibly, lifted her eyes, a small smile crossing her face. “Is something wrong? Did I get something on my face?”
The staff member jolted back into focus, his head–shaking quickly, a hint of embarrassment coloring his tone. “No, not at all! It’s just… Ms. Callahan, you’re stunning. I lost track of things for a moment there.”
Renee chuckled, her voice laced with playful amusement. “Thank you. That’s a nice thing to
say.”
The staff member hesitated before summoning the courage to ask, “Ms. Callahan, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask… Why don’t you ever show your face? I get that, as the eldest daughter of the Callahan family, you have to keep your privacy.
“But there’s been some talk online… People are wondering if you hide your face because you’re not considered beautiful,”
Renee’s smile widened. She shook her head slightly, her voice soft yet firm. “All I want is to sing. If I show my face, the audience will be too distracted. Who’s going to listen to the song?”
With that, she picked up the mask beside her and carefully placed it over her face. It covered most of her features, leaving only her bright, expressive eyes and a subtle smile visible.
Her movements were smooth and poised, as if, once the mask was in place, she was no longer the Callahans‘ eldest daughter but a captivating, enigmatic singer commanding the stage.
The staff member observed her, a hint of admiration in his gaze. “Ms. Callahan, you’re something else. You’re not only talented, but you’re also so humble about it.”
