My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace

Chapter 19

At eight o’clock, the grand finale kicked off with the energy of a rock concert. Eleven contestants took their turns on stage, and their performances elicited cheers from the excited crowd. Initially, Cedric was all ears, soaking in the atmosphere with enthusiasm. But after a few songs, his excitement began to wane. The performances, thought competent, started to blend into one another, lacking any standout moments that couldn’t be better experienced through a polished studio recording.

It wasn’t until the final contestant stepped onto the stage that Cedric’s interest perked up. again-not because she was exceptionally different, but because from the moment she appeared, her glances seemed to seek out the CEO, as if hoping for a moment of eye contact.

Miranda? Why does that name sound so familiar? Wait, isn’t she the adopted daughter from the Nightshade family, Ms. Nightshade’s sister?

“Mr. Lockwood.”

Cedric turned and saw Orion engrossed in the stock charts on his tablet, completely oblivious to the live show. It was impressive, almost eerie, how Mr. Lockwood could focus in such a noisy environment. But then again, attending this finale wasn’t originally on Mr. Lockwood’s schedule. He had been roped into it due to a previous CEO’s public promises, so his lack of interest was understandable.

“Mr. Lockwood, the contestant on stage is Ms. Nightshade’s sister.”

“Mhm.”

The man responded flatly, and his eyes never strayed from the screen.

Tonight, I’ll be performing an origina

burst into life; its clear melody and upbeat rhythm was infused with sweet lyric transforming the mood of the venue into something light and joyful. Cedric found himself genuinely intrigued. The arrangement, lyrics, and harmonies of ‘Whispers in the Dark’ were distinctly superior to the previous performances, and surprisingly, it was an original piece. Ms. Nightshade’s

bubbles, delighting the senses and lightening the heart of the audience. She remembered crafting this song while deep in the throes of a new love, believing herself to be the happiest person in the world. Now, those illusions of happiness and sweetness had shattered, revealing the grim reality

and

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Chapl

upon seeing her “I thought you were

playfully stuck her tongue out. “Uncle, don’t you know that the big

diva, aren’t we?” Oliver chuckled. “Come on, don’t dawdle. Your makeup artist

gazed at the dazzling gold gown and the intricate matching jewelry laid out before her, her eyes wide with surprise. “Uncle, I’m

at all! This is your first public appearance, and you need to dazzle

biggest sponsor, TOYUM Group, is choosing a spokesperson today. Looks are just as important

the makeup chair, Xanthea still felt a bit bewildered.

planning on launching a career today-she just wanted to outperform

do you think