CHAPTER 31: CHAPTER 31: SHE TOYED WITH VERA HANSEN

Vera Hansen smiled at the masked woman in front of her.

Her eyes showed a determination to win.

Because before coming over, she had sent the other party a message.

[Irene, even if you don’t seek me out, I’d still tell you that a year ago, Serena Sterling had always been signed under Ford Entertainment, and she’s been closely connected with Jasper Ford.]

[You had a miscarriage for Jasper Ford but still didn’t get a public announcement. You must be unwilling, right? Join my team, and I won’t reveal your miscarriage secret. With our current popularity, I’m sure I can make Jasper Ford see your brilliance and expose Serena Sterling’s promiscuity and incompetence, revealing her true dependency on men.]

[The secret I just mentioned is not a threat, Irene. It is my sincerity.]

Carrot and stick, Vera didn’t believe this woman could resist!

Serena Sterling looked at Vera Hansen in front of her.

Threats and incentives.

She uses this routine very skillfully.

Holding the microphone, Serena first bowed to everyone.

Then she looked at the three people sitting before her.

Sean Donovan, 32, a male singer in Mandarin pop music, known for the unique Donovan love songs, highly popular.

Miles Levin, 28, a pioneering new-generation male singer with a light rock style and his own band.

Vera Hansen, 25, a well-known internet IP florist, a beauty with a vulnerable charm, marketing director for Heavenly Sound.

All three of them had extended an invitation for her to join their team.

Serena said seriously, "Thank you to the three judges for your kindness."

"Then." She paused slightly, then said, "Based on my own style and the style I want to try on this stage as a reference, I choose..."

The seats of the three judges formed a semicircle, with Vera Hansen in the middle and the other two on either side.

Serena walked straight ahead.

Vera Hansen’s face was full of satisfaction; she stood up, seemingly already sure of winning.

But Serena suddenly turned her steps toward Miles Levin beside her.

"Mr. Levin, can I join your team?" Serena asked politely and extended her right hand.

Miles Levin glanced at Vera Hansen, whose face had slightly changed color, and his face bore an amused smile. Then he stood up.

"Of course." He reached out and shook hands with Serena.

In the live broadcast, a close-up was given of the clasped hands, while in the background, Vera Hansen’s slightly stiff face also entered the picture.

Julian Lawson watched this scene, his brow slightly furrowed.

The masked woman had played Vera Hansen.

Following the path, the target should have been Vera Hansen, but she made a turn at the last moment, heading towards Miles Levin.

Why?

...

The selection segment at the Heavenly Sound was full of excitement, with live audiences either cheering, sighing, or shouting in amusement.

After binding with Miles Levin’s team, Serena sat in the contestant’s seat behind him.

Not far away, Vera Hansen’s gaze kept sweeping over her.

Serena ignored Vera Hansen.

The program recording was lengthy.

There was time for commercials in between, which was also when the artists took breaks.

After going for a commercial break, Serena went to the restroom.

Just reaching the hallway, Vera Hansen blocked her way.

"Did you not see the message I sent?" Vera Hansen pulled Serena aside and asked bluntly.

Serena cast a glance at Vera Hansen: "I saw it."

Vera Hansen frowned and grabbed Serena’s collar: "Then what do you mean by this? Humiliating me?"

Serena sneered, pulling away Vera Hansen’s hand from her collar.

"I was just choosing normally," she said, "Whether it’s song style or professionalism, I think Miles Levin is more suitable, allowing me to go further in this show."

Vera Hansen laughed.

"I thought it was something else; turns out you don’t get it at all."

"Do you know why you would lose to Serena Sterling?" Vera Hansen mocked, "You can never grasp the point."

"This era is about marketing."

"Did you join this competition to really compete in songwriting?"

"Ford Entertainment’s investment in you is for returns, for commercial value, for monetization, understand?"

Vera Hansen’s voice was very low, filled with anger, quickly outputting sounding like a snake hissing.

"Style? Professionalism? Ha..." Vera laughed, "Irene, don’t you think you’re too lofty?"

Serena calmly looked at Vera.

"And what about you?" she said, "I don’t understand; you only have half a year left in your life. Why are you still clinging to these superficial things? Wouldn’t it be better to just relax and enjoy your final days?"

Vera Hansen’s eyes flickered.

Of course, she couldn’t reveal her fake illness secret to the other party.

So, Vera changed the topic: "You can still change your choice now, switch to my team, or we can reach other collaborations."

Vera took a step forward.

The two were very close.

Vera said, "I’ll give you time to consider because we are on the same front, with a common enemy."

After saying this, Vera left, leaving Serena standing alone.

She quietly watched Vera leave.

So, why?

Vera wants Julian Lawson, and now he’s already by her side.

What else is Vera doing all this for?

To attack Serena Sterling?

But what’s the point?

...

Time flew by, and the program recorded from morning till night.

A live broadcast of Heavenly Sound finally ended.

Whether they were artists, staff members, or live audiences, everyone was exhausted.

The sky had already darkened.

Serena was helped towards the nanny vehicle.

Her steps were unsteady, almost unable to stand.

Beside her, Jasper Ford supported her, sighing deeply.

Serena knew what Jasper Ford meant.

But she still insisted on participating.

Her heart was in a rush, eager to become stronger, to regain control of everything.

However, as she reached a corner, she suddenly noticed someone standing by the nanny vehicle.

It was Julian Lawson.

Serena glanced at Jasper Ford, who shook his head, indicating he didn’t know.

"Talk?" Julian Lawson’s voice came.

Jasper Ford wanted to say something, but Serena patted his hand, then stood firm and gestured for Julian Lawson to go into the woods.

"What’s President Lawson want to talk about with me?" Serena started.

When the woman spoke, Julian Lawson found the voice somewhat familiar.

Julian looked down at the woman in front of him.

Even wearing a long coat over her performance outfit, it was still apparent how very thin she was.

Among the women he knew, none had a physique matching hers.

At least none were this thin.

Gazing at the inquisitive eyes peeking out from behind the mask, Julian Lawson said, "During the live broadcast selection today, why did you play Vera Hansen?"

Serena laughed.

"Did I play her?" Serena said, "No."

Julian Lawson slightly furrowed his brow: "No need to speak like this. Your behavior and language can’t fool me."

Serena’s lips slightly pressed together, turning her face aside.

Still the same.

Just like many years ago.

When her stepfather beat her again, and he asked what happened, she lied, saying nothing, he also said something similar—

"Serena, shouldn’t you look at your current state? Stop holding on, you can’t fool me."

But back then and now, his stance had shifted from standing by her side to opposing her.