CHAPTER 26: CHAPTER 26: THE PAIN OF LOSING A CHILD ISN’T EASY

After opening one app, then came the second, and the third...

Serena Sterling calmly operated her phone, one after another, and finally searched on the engine. This song already had a corresponding encyclopedia.

The same three lines, all about Vera Hansen.

Even asking the AI would give the same answer.

Seeing this, Serena finally put down her phone and let out a light chuckle.

Vera Hansen really had some guts.

If Vera had recently discussed with Ford Entertainment, Jasper Ford, who was especially attentive to this matter, would surely know, and so would Serena.

But no, there wasn’t.

Judging by Jasper Ford’s temperament, which was prone to anger and had a strong sense of justice, he wouldn’t agree either.

Don’t understand?

Not taking Ford Entertainment seriously?

Thinking that with Julian Lawson, everything can be resolved?

Or thinking that with only six months left, nothing matters anymore?

Just as she was pondering, a sobbing sound came from beside her.

Serena looked over and saw Chloe wiping her tears.

Noticing Serena looking at her, Chloe quickly wiped her tears and said, "Boo hoo hoo, Irene, this song is so touching, I’m sorry, boo hoo..."

"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have favored others so blindly."

"Boo hoo hoo... No, Vera is a guest judge, not a contestant..."

Assistant Chloe was crying and confused.

Serena found her rather adorable and reached out with a tissue to wipe Chloe’s tears.

"Don’t blame yourself," Serena softly comforted, "I also think the song is good."

After all, it was written by her.

"Boo hoo hoo..." Chloe finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Soon, as Vera finished singing the song, her tear-streaked face appeared on the live broadcast camera, with a beauty both broken and strong.

The next moment, the live stream cut to Julian Lawson in the audience.

Julian had a spot just for him.

A fantastic view, yet sufficiently discreet.

Although there were rumors of Julian’s presence, they were just hearsay, unseen by most of the audience.

But when the livestream switched from the stage to him, everyone could clearly see.

Even the camera deliberately focused on Julian Lawson.

Seated, Julian appeared as calm as ever, his Italian bespoke suit outlining his tall figure, exuding an effortlessly distinctive nobility.

His hands rested casually on the armrests, but keen eyes could discern that his eyes were slightly reddened, perhaps from the lighting.

The scene was filled with screams, and the live chat exploded.

"Ahhhhh! It’s President Lawson!"

"President Lawson looks especially handsome today!"

"President Lawson usually doesn’t attend such events, but today he makes an exception for Vera! If that’s not love, what is!"

"President Lawson’s eyes are red, boo hoo, he must be saddened for Vera too."

"I’m shipping it, I’m shipping it! Crunchety crunch..."

"Serena, come out and take a beating!"

...

Vera made a small bow to the people below the stage.

She reached up to wipe away the corner of her tears, looking fragile yet beautiful.

"Thank you."

Vera softly said, "Thank you for everyone’s love, and thank you to that..."

Her lips curled into a smile: "That special person."

"Even if my life is coming to an end, even if there will be much pain, I want to say, with you by my side, no amount of malevolent persecution can scare me."

Having said all that, the stage lights illuminated.

"It’s so moving, the song is so wonderful!" The host emerged, wiping tears from his eyes, "Vera, may I ask who that special person is?"

Vera smiled without responding, but the camera cut back to Julian Lawson.

Everything was clear without words.

After a bit of small talk, Vera stepped off the stage.

Next was the contestants’ performances.

Before the first singer finished, Serena was called to get ready.

As Serena walked through the staff corridor from the backstage, Vera, who had just spoken to Julian Lawson in the audience, happened to be returning backstage through the passage.

The two were about to pass each other.

"Irene." Vera stopped Serena.

Serena paused slightly and looked at Vera in front of her.

"Did you like it?" Vera asked with a smile, "My performance."

Serena chuckled lightly, "The song is great."

Vera’s smile deepened.

"I think that song just now is enough to earn your recognition of my ability."

Serena chuckled without replying.

Vera continued, "Later tonight, during team selection, will you join me?"

Today was the first live broadcast of "Heavenly Sound," featuring introductions of each guest and contestant, as well as team formations.

Three guest judges, each to lead 4 people, with a mutual selection process.

"I haven’t even sung yet, and you’re already asking this?" Serena found it even more ironic, "Aren’t you afraid I might be bad and drag you down?"

"I believe you’ll choose me because we share a common enemy." Vera laughed, stepping closer to Serena.

She leaned in and softly whispered in Serena’s ear, "Irene, do you know why you can’t officially become Jasper Ford’s girlfriend?"

Serena raised an eyebrow slightly, not understanding what Vera was saying.

Her?

Jasper Ford’s girlfriend?

Satisfied with the masked woman’s reaction, Vera continued, "Because someone is standing in your way."

"Who is it?"

Vera’s smile in her eyes grew deeper, she slightly parted her lips—

"Serena, it’s Serena blocking your path."

Serena was at a loss for words, looking at Vera strangely.

Vera straightened, "You don’t have to believe it now; you’ll know in time that what I say is absolutely true."

Her gaze fell on her stomach, leaving a final comment: "The feeling of losing a child isn’t pleasant, is it?"

Then, without speaking further, Vera walked straight towards the back.

At the other end of the corridor, staff were urging, so Serena didn’t linger and hurried over.

After taking a few steps, Vera turned back and glanced triumphantly at the back of the retreating figure.

No doubt, she did it intentionally.

She deliberately chose to tell "Irene" this before she went on stage, benefiting her twofold.

Firstly, to disrupt "Irene’s" thoughts, causing her to perform poorly.

This masked woman hadn’t attended the rehearsal, so Vera didn’t know her capabilities, nor had anyone "enlightened" her, so the opposing side might not know the rules.

Today was, after all, Vera’s main event, and she aimed for the best of the whole show!

Secondly, to instill hatred towards Serena in "Irene," who was Jasper Ford’s kept woman.

After losing a child for Jasper but still not climbing the ranks, had "Irene" not experienced confusion, hatred towards it?

If there was hatred, it needed to be directed at Serena.

She wanted to turn this masked woman into a weapon she could direct at Serena!

The more Vera thought about it, the more she felt her plan was flawless, she contentedly withdrew her gaze and headed backstage.

Serena paused slightly at the passage entrance, glancing back at Vera’s departing figure.

She said nothing.

Meanwhile, in a small room, two people listened to the conversation through the recording device labeled [Staff Passage], eyes wide open.

"Should we report it?" one person asked.