CHAPTER 24: CHAPTER 24: THAT ACCIDENT WAS A MISCARRIAGE

"...Yes, I’m with her now, I’ll personally bring her over later." Jasper Ford entered after knocking on the door as footsteps approached.

He was taken aback with just one glance.

"Are you... Serena Sterling?"

Jasper Ford’s tone was filled with uncertainty and hesitation.

It’s not his fault; she’s lost a lot of weight, donning a mask, and once dressed up like this, she became breathtakingly beautiful.

Even Bianca Lynch might not recognize Serena Sterling standing here!

Serena turned around, watched Jasper Ford’s expression, and nodded helplessly.

"It’s me," Serena replied, "Let’s go."

Jasper Ford nodded blankly as his heart pounded erratically.

Serena was already beautiful before, but now she was stunningly attractive.

The former beauty was gentle; the current beauty was more aggressive.

Reacting slowly, he grabbed a long trench coat and draped it over Serena Sterling.

Jasper Ford supported Serena, walked all the way out, then got into the nanny van.

Inside the van, a makeup artist was waiting to do finishing touches like applying fake nails and selecting high heels for Serena.

The nanny van started, heading to the "Heavenly Sound" broadcast site.

Meanwhile, another nanny van was heading in the same direction.

In that van was Vera Hansen.

Vera Hansen instructed the makeup artist to paint her into a fragile beauty while calling Julian Lawson.

"Brother Julian, it’s me, Vera," Vera said with a smile. "Right, today’s the first live broadcast, you must come to the site later, I’ve reserved a seat for you."

"Yes, they only took care of me because of your reputation, Brother Julian."

"Brother Julian, I’m always grateful for your kindness and I’ll do my best."

After hanging up, Vera sent out a few messages.

[Julian Lawson is coming today, prepare the follow-up material spots.]

Upon receiving an [OK] reply, Vera smiled satisfactorily.

...

Aeston, "Heavenly Sound" broadcast site.

Serena Sterling was waiting backstage with others.

As a hubbub rose, Serena saw Vera Hansen arriving with her assistant.

Present were singers recently promoted by various companies, and each company informed their representatives that Vera Hansen was someone not to provoke.

Therefore, upon her arrival, everyone stood up to greet her.

"Miss Vera!"

"Sister Vera!"

"Hello, Sister Vera."

Serena Sterling stood in her long trench coat at the back, observing the scene calmly.

She had understood the intricacies of social circles years ago.

This time, Vera Hansen had the backing of Aeston’s giant Lawson Group, even Julian Lawson himself; naturally, everyone respected her.

But Serena Sterling wouldn’t stoop to greet Vera Hansen.

Serena remained silent, simply getting up to leave the scene.

Vera Hansen amiably returned greetings to everyone and finally glanced in Serena’s departure direction.

Her eyes flickered; she reviewed the data of the 12 contestants, knowing 11 well, except for "Irene."

Ford Entertainment’s top-promoted singer, confidential information.

Even under Lawson Group’s influence, staff wouldn’t disclose her data.

They said Jasper Ford personally managed this artist, and only those inside Ford Entertainment knew the details, not common staff.

Vera had just glanced at that person, with no impression, probably not someone she recognized.

The figure looked quite proud; is Jasper Ford nurturing this little bird?

No matter, if she could handle Julian Lawson’s official wife Serena Sterling, then certainly Jasper Ford’s little bird.

Thinking of this, Vera didn’t give the person further attention.

On the other side, Serena checked the stage setup beside it.

"Heavenly Sound" featured 12 contestants, 3 guests, with a format of 5 rounds, each round a week apart.

The show first broadcasts live then edits highlights based on the live content for release.

Thus catering to both viewers.

Today was the first live stream, primarily for guest and contestant introductions and team selections.

contestants would be divided among the 3 guest teams.

One guest was Vera Hansen; the other two were renowned professional singers.

Serena carefully walked through the stage positions.

There was a rehearsal before, but she was too weak to attend, only observing remotely, and even various coordination was done via remote communication.

Previously, there were rumors of contestant Irene acting high-handed, which Jasper Ford settled internally with a nameless medical record.

Supposedly, a severe accident occurred ten days ago.

Live attendance showed personnel could still see "Irene’s" bruises not completely covered by makeup.

This indeed indicated absence due to injury, not high-handed behavior.

Serena noticed staff’s inspecting glances but didn’t know the cause, thus ignored them, sincerely checking the site.

After a while, hearing commotion, Serena instinctively looked up.

She saw Julian Lawson.

"Wow, it’s really President Lawson!"

"Isn’t it said Julian Lawson rarely attends occasions like this?"

"Oh, don’t you see who’s the guest?"

"Oh, oh, oh, I get it, surely here for Vera Hansen."

"Surely, Lawson Group, though involved in entertainment, focuses mainly on high-tech innovation; aside from Vera Hansen, which other could make Julian Lawson attend?"

"Then the rumors about Vera Hansen and Julian Lawson online are true, right?"

"Very likely."

"But doesn’t Julian Lawson have a wife?"

"A wealthy situation often involves such cases, plus with Vera Hansen almost dying, the official wife probably turns a blind eye and won’t give up Lawson’s wealth."

"I agree, if my boyfriend flirted outside, I’d kick him with Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, let alone in this case, a dependent wife deserves it."

"What nonsense are you babbling?" Jasper Ford approached sternly, "Don’t you know not to discuss recklessly?"

The gossiping individuals immediately shrank back.

Jasper Ford approached, worriedly glanced at Serena.

Among dense chatter, Jasper couldn’t say much, but his eyes conveyed concern.

Serena smiled lightly, shaking her head.

She had long decided not to want Julian Lawson; why fear trivial gossip?

"I found someone to double-check details with you, they’re at the back; let’s go there now." Jasper Ford said.

Serena nodded and followed Jasper Ford to the backstage.

Meanwhile, Vera had reached Julian Lawson’s side.

"Brother Julian!" Vera exclaimed with a smile.

"Hmm," Julian Lawson nodded, glancing at Jasper Ford escorting a woman in a long trench coat to the backstage, catching her silhouette.

Vera followed Julian Lawson’s gaze and then smiled, saying, "That’s Irene."

"She’s the mysterious contestant I mentioned before to Brother Julian, suspecting her as Jasper Ford’s kept songbird."

Julian Lawson raised an eyebrow at her.

Vera explained, "A few days ago, she missed rehearsals, sparking rumors of her acting high-handedly; hence Jasper Ford submitted medical records internally, revealing Irene’s accident made her bedridden."

"Previously, I didn’t give it much thought, but recently acquired a top-secret message."

Vera smiled mysteriously, "The accident ten days ago was a miscarriage."