The live broadcast of Heavenly Melody was in full swing, and the audience seats were quickly filling up.
A few rows from Brandon, Myron, Jayceon, and Adriana had already taken their seats.
The three were chatting, their voices low, but bits of their conversation drifted over to Brandon.

"Myron, come on! That perfect gentleman charade? Just drop it! What if she's not into that?" Jayceon teased, though it wasn't cear who they were talking about.
He added, "You know her type isn't exactly what you'repretending to be."
Myron replied smoothly, "And how do you know I'm not a real gentleman?"
Jayceon made a dramatic gagging sound and threw his sister a look.
Adriana rolled her eyes at Myron. "Please. You? A real gentleman? You're a wolf in sheep's clothing."
Jayceon sighed. "Exactly. And don't forget you dragged me along as your perfect excuse when you were the one desperately wanted to see her. You said youhad a plan, but I bet your whole plan is just scheming how to win her over."
Adriana nodded in agreement and pointed at Myron. "You're no gentleman at all. One day, I'll tell her the truth about you!"
Myron only chuckled, calm and unfazed, as if he had everything under control.
Brandon looked over at them and found Myron staring right back.
Leaning into his seat with ease, Myron turned his head slightly and gave Brandon a small, deliberate nod-like he had sensed Brandon's eyes on him all along.
Brandon returned the nod quietly and then looked away. But something about it lingered in his mind.
Who were the Elliott siblings talking about?
It sounded like Myron had his eye on someone.

That didn't happen often.

Whoever it was must be someone special.

Brandon glanced at the empty seat next to him and picked up his phone.

"The show's about to start. You should get here soon, or you'll miss it," he texted Millie. But just like before,there was no reply.

Brandon's brows creased slightly.

Not far away, Jayceon and Adriana were exchanging glances, clearly up to something. They kept gesturing between Brandon and Myron, whispering and nudging each other like kids sharing a secret.

Eventually, Myron cleared his throat, and the two instantly straightened up.

Meanwhile, Vivian was watching closely.

Her eyes kept returning to the empty seat beside Brandon. Seeing it still unoccupied, she clenched her fists.

Brandon had told her he was inviting Millie. He'd even said that if it made Vivian uncomfortable, he would seat Millie among the general audience.

But to keep up her image of being"sweet and understandinVivian had insisted he sit Millie nearby.

"You still care for each other, even if you're divorced," Vivian had said with a pale smile. "Besides... I don't have much time left. In the future, she'll still be the one beside you."

But now-Vivian looked away.

"Millie, you better not show up... Or I'll teach you a lesson you'll never forget," she whispered

Then, as if struck by a thought, she turned and walked toward the host.

As more time passed, the show officially began?
<###Chapter 142 Who Is The Woman That Caught Myron's Attention +80 Points ot mout The host stepped on stage and introduced the opening performer-Karlee Sutton, a 28-year-old music prodigy.
The atmosphere instantly shifted, Excitement buzzed through the room.
Karlee chose a soft, lyrical piece so as not to overshadow the contestants, but her presence still lit up the stage.

When she finished and bowed slightly, the crowd burst into applause.
The host then welcomed the judges to the stage.
"Coming through,guys! Please make way for the judges," a staff member called out.
Vivian and two other judges took the stage and gave their speeches before the final round began.

Backstage, Millie and the other contestants waited for their turn.
"It's gone by so fast. I can't believe we've reached the finals. I'm not ready to say goodbye," Vivian said with a soft smile. Her eyes looked a little red.
The audience quietly nodded along.
Vivian continued, her voice calm, "Though my time is running out, I know when I'm gone, I'll remember these days fondly. They'll bring me tears of joy."
She took a deep breath and then announced, "During the break later, I'll post fifty invitation cards on my social media. If anyone wishes to attend, please use one to come to my funeral a few months from now."She bowed, her eyes wet with emotion.
"I hope you'll come dressed in your best. I want you all to live boldly, and with spirit. And I hope none of you think attending a stranger's funeral would bring you bad luck."
Tears filled the eyes of many in the crowd. Someone shouted, "Not at all! We love you, Vivian! And we just feel sorry for you!"
Online chatter exploded.
Fans were full of sympathy, eager to know how to get a card.

"Only 50? I hope I can get one."

"Vivian's just trying not to bother people. She wants to keep it low-key."

"She's always so thoughtful. I'm honestly in tears."

"Millie, show your face! See how graceful Vivian is. Don't you feel ashamed?"

One harsh comment even read-"I'd rather trade Millie's life for Vivian's."①

That post quickly topped the trending list, racking up the most likes.

After speaking, Vivian left the stage, letting the next judge step forward.

Her eyes scanned the audience, confirming that the seat beside Brandon was still empty.

Lowering her head, she adjusted her outfit, and a faint glimmer of satisfaction lit her eyes.

"Come on, Millie. Show yourself. Let's see how you plan to handle this," Vivian thought.

Backstage, Millie had been watching everything unfold with a calm expression.

She noticed Vivian's frequent glances toward the audience-more specifically, at the empty seat beside Brandon.

She knew it had been reserved for her.

And she also knew Vivian's entire speech was aimed at stirring emotions and pressuring her.

Vivian's PR team really knew how to create a scene. They always had something up their sleeves-and this time was no different.

But Millie only smiled faintly. Vivian's plan wouldn't work.

She wouldn't be walking into the audience. She would be wNalking onto the stage.

Her eyes drifted to Brandon.
He was still staring at the empty seat, brows slightly furrowed, clearly lost in thought.

A few rows down, Jayceon and Adriana had their heads together, whispering and giggling like kids plotting something. Myron sat quietly nearby, half-hidden in the shadows, unreadable.

"Now, let's welcome today's first contestant-Daphne!" the host announced, marking the true start of the final round.