?Chapter 192:


    “Maia! Are you nning to enter the singingpetition too?”


    Maia jerked her arm free, her gaze cold and unwavering. “Why does that concern you?”


    Jarrod’s face twisted into a scowl. “Are you trying to steal the championship from Rosanna? You’ve enjoyed the life that should’ve been hers for seventeen years, and wasn’t that enough for you? Are you still trying to steal the spotlight from her?”


    Maia arched a brow, her lips curling into a smirk. “Why are you so agitated? Is it that you think if I enter, she’s guaranteed to lose? Is that really the level of confidence you have in your dear sister?”


    “You!” Jarrod sputtered, the words caught in his throat. After a tense pause, he snapped, “Maia, listen to me — give it up now! Your name isn’t even on the official list. Even if you tried to register, it’s toote! I’ve already spoken to the organizers. They won’t let you in!”


    Maia almostughed in his face. “The registration deadline is still weeks away, and if you were truly as influential as you think, you wouldn’t be chasing me down with threats. Jarrod, maybe you should focus on saving your own reputation first. Those scandalous photos from a while back — don’t tell me you’ve forgotten them already?”


    Jarrod’s face froze, his skin turning a deep shade of red.


    The photos had been blurred, and he had convinced himself that no one would recognize him. But Maia’s words hit him like a cold p. Suddenly, he felt exposed, vulnerable, and burning with shame.


    “Maia, don’t push me!” he hissed, his voice trembling with fury. “If you insist onpeting, I’ll make sure you never set foot on that stage!” It was an outright threat.


    “Really?” Maia’s voice remained cool, but her eyes were like daggers—sharp and unforgiving. “What are you going to do? Kidnap me? Or maybe murder me this time?”


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    She took a deliberate step forward, her gaze unyielding, as if daring him to try something.


    Jarrod’s chest tightened with panic. The memories of his previous attempt to have Maia abducted rushed back. He had never intended to hurt her, but the intensity in her stare made him feel like she could rip him apart with nothing but her gaze. A chill crawled up his spine.


    He took an instinctive step back, his breath shallow. “Even if you enter, you won’t beat Rosanna. The judges are stacked with real talent, including that elusiveposer K. Rosanna’s been training for years. You sang a song at a bar and got some praise, yes, but whenpared to those professional and experienced singers, you won’t stand a chance! You’re delusional. In front of those pros, you’ll be exposed for what you really are.”


    Maia couldn’t be bothered to waste another word on him.


    “We’ll see,” she said coldly, turning her back on him.


    As she walked away, Jarrod stood frozen, humiliated, his rage simmering beneath the surface. Maia didn’t care—his threats were meaningless to her.


    She hailed a cab, the sound of Jarrod’s furious shouts barely reaching her. She couldn’t hear the words clearly, but she didn’t care.


    The door mmed shut, and Maia leaned back in the seat, her gaze ahead, a faint smile ying on her lips.


    The buzz online showed no signs of slowing, yet Maia chose to stay silent, not uttering a single word in response.


    Rosanna, unable to sit still, decided to step into the fray herself, posting several heartfelt essays.


    “Maia casually shared a quick post on social media, never imagining it would stir up such a storm. Her post was just to record her feelings, not to inform the public about this matter, so please don’t take it too seriously or criticize her. She’s different from me. I’ve loved singing since I was little, dreaming of standing on stage, practicing with all my heart every single day. Everyone deserves the right to chase their dreams. Even if the path is rocky and uncertain, we must still pursue the light within us. Yet, not everyone can soar toward their dreams. I want topete with truly talented contestants in thispetition, to sharpen myself and grow stronger. I will pour everything I have into The Voice of Zephyria and will not let my fans down.”


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