Chapter 177

Alexander Langley's face darkened as he dialed the phone.

He had to investigate the accident during his sister's performance.

The loose stage edge was no coincidence.

If Evelyn Laurent had actually fallen... A cold glint flashed in Alexander's eyes.

The gala continued.

Backstage, Sophia Lowell took deep breaths.

She repeated to herself that she would dazzle the audience.

Her smile froze when she scanned the seats.

Ethan Sullivan's chair was empty.

What shocked her more—the Lowell couple and her four brothers had also disappeared.

The host called her name a second time before she snapped back to reality.

Under the spotlight, she walked toward the piano in her white dress.

The judges frowned the moment the music began.

The challenging piece sounded fragmented under her fingers.

But Sophia was lost in self-admiration.

As the final note faded, she rose gracefully.

Only scattered applause greeted her.

The judges scribbled notes without looking up.

The VIPs in the front row didn't even glance her way.

Sophia stepped off the stage, her face pale.

Her nails dug deep into her palms.