Chapter 223

The warm yellow stage lights bathed everything in a soft glow, with Alice Sterling standing right at center stage. As the intro played, she closed her eyes just a little. The familiar melody drifted into the air, carried by her clear, cool voice, filling the studio like a gentle wave. The audience sat completely still, not even a whisper, until the final note faded out. That’s when the host stepped onto the stage. “Miss Summer, that was incredibly moving. Could you share the inspiration behind this song?” Holding the mic tightly, Alice felt her emotions bubbling up. Just as she was about to speak, a sweep of the spotlight across the audience caught her attention. Her body froze instantly. Mr. Hawthorne and Edward Hawthorne? They… they actually showed up? “I…” Her lips parted, but her mind spiraled again. Seeing her off track, the host quickly tried to smooth things over. “Looks like Miss Summer’s still soaking in the performance. Let’s give her a moment—why don’t you head backstage to