Chapter 14: This Is Your Competition?

Giselle Lambert’s mind turned to mush, her dark pupils frozen like ice on her stark pale face, a haunting sight. She tightened her grip on Chase Carter’s arm abruptly, squeezing so hard it caused him pain, making him grimace. “Put me down, now.” Giselle herself hadn’t noticed her voice quivering, laced with an uncontrollable fear. Chase, confused, asked, “What are you afraid of?” Thud—thud—thud— The timing of the footsteps was impeccable. Giselle’s complexion drastically changed, her whole body tensing visibly. Moments ago, the background noise of the stage was still audible, but with Henry Jefferson’s arrival, the entire world seemed to go silent, all visuals blurring except for his silhouette advancing against the light. His polished shoes clacked against the ground, each step resonating like a deadly drumbeat. Henry stopped and looked at Giselle. “Is this what you call a competition?” His voice was devoid of emotion, barely stirring the air. Chase didn’t recognize this i