Chapter 146

Millie's image appeared on the screen, leaving the entire crowd speechless with shock.

Backstage, Daphne stared at the screen in disbelief, mumbling under her breath that there had to be some mistake.

Social media exploded in real time.

People who'd just been shouting insults were now frantically denying what they saw, picking apart every detail in search of something to disprove it.

"This has to be a setup! Millie and Serena clearly reached some kind of deal!"

For some, this was the only explanation left to cling to.

But Seville sprang into action. "Haha, we've waited for this, pretending, enduring, just for the perfect reveal!"

Without hesitation, he instructed his team to kick off an all-out pushback.

"There's no scam! Millie and Serena are one and the same! And let's not forget, Brandon donated millions at auction, and he's her husband! You see? He was using their money, so she did contribute!"

"Exactly! And all that talk about sleeping her way to the top was baseless. Serena's ranking came from pure talent, not some shady deal!"

"Every accusation was part of a smear campaign. Serena's achievements were earned fair and square!"

"The tables have turned. Everything's changed now!"

"Wait, don't get ahead of yourselves, guys. Where's the concrete proof that Millie and Serena are actually the same person? Maybe they're just putting on a show together to distract us from the donation fraud thing?"

Online chaos erupted, yet right there on the Heavenly Melody stage, Millie stood her ground, refusing to step away even after her true identity was unveiled.

In fact, it was at that exact moment that her performance reached its peak.

Up until now, every note had felt like watching a statue in progress, still rough and unfinished, but with the final mask falling from her face, a genuine transformation took place.

No longer held back by judgment or scandal, she unleashed a breathtaking display that made everyone sit up and recognize her radiance.

Bathed in the spotlight, Millie sang with fearless intensity, her clear, haunting voice and flawless skil matching Serena's unforgettable performances from the past few rounds.

With every last remnant of plaster gone, a renewed version of herself emerged for all to witness.

Both her song and her presence spoke of reinvention, Millie and Serena, past and present, now fully united as one.

A dramatic run of soaring notes closed out her act, each pitch lifting her higher, rising above pain and doubt,just as she'd risen through each challenge on the show.

In truth, there was no separation between Millie and Serena. Both identities belonged to her, seamlessly woven together on that stage.

When the final chord faded, the crowd was struck silent.

All previous protests had melted away, and not even a whisper remained as everyone absorbed the magnitude of what they'd just seen.

A gentle "Thank you," fell from Millie's lips as she bowed, her voice echoing in the hushed auditorium.

The crowd exploded in applause, their cheers roaring so loudly it felt as if the whole building might shake.

"Serena, you're incredible!"

"Absolutely stunning,Serena!"

"Forget that! Millie is the real star!"

"It doesn't matter who you are! We're with you, Millie or Serena!"

"Wait, wasn't there a scandal about donations?"

"Give it a rest! She's Brandon's wife, so the money was theirs together. And let's not forget, if Serena hadn't been bidding that night, the tanzanite wouldn't have sold for nearly as much!"

"Exactly!"

"Let's show her our support! Serena deserves it!"

"I'm in! Go, Serena!"

The wave of celebration wasn't limited to the venue. It also echoed across the Internet,too.

A country that once booed her now rose to their feet, unified in admiration, as her performance became a living,breathing work of art.

"Unbelievable! Serena's a powerhouse! I'll always support her!" Jayceon leapt from his seat, unable to contain his excitement.

Adriana, unusually generous, let her brother cheer as much as he wanted. She glanced at Brandon,quietly settled in his seat, and then at Myron lurking in the shadows, and let out a gentle laugh.

Adriana caught a sharp look from Myron and quickly dropped her eyes.

Not wasting a second, Myron shifted his focus to Brandon.

Brandon sat motionless, his expression unreadable, but a heaviness clung to him that Myron couldn't miss.

A quiet laugh slipped from Myron before he looked away.

Onstage, Millie was ready to leave, but the audience was nowhere near finished, their voices rising in a chorus begging her to stay a littlelonger.

Eventually, the host returned to bring order. "WVhat an incredible run! From 'Yesterday' to 'Us,' then 'Deep Sea,' 'Journey' and now 'Sculpture,' Serena has amazed us at every turn! I know you want more of her live magic, but she needs a break tonight. Don't worry. There will be plenty of opportunities to see Serena again soon!"

...

As the applause still echoed in the hall, Millie slipped backstage.

Barbara and Charles were quick to join her.

Tears streamed down Barbara's face. "Serena, I had no idea! And to think I defended Vivian at first..."

Her emotions tumbled between excitement and remorse.

With a gentle smile, Millie reached out and brushed away Barbara's tears.

"You goof, we made sure to keep everyone in the dark. There's no way you could've known." Millie let out a gentle laugh. "Besides, you figured out what Vivian was really like by yourself, didn't you? Stop blaming yourself. You're sobbing like a little kid," Millie teased, brushing away more of Barbara's tears.

Charles jumped in, offering a few reassuring words and even promising Barbara a bonus, which drew an embarrassed grin from her.

The three of them wandered backstage, chatting and sharing a few laughs.

They soon crossed paths with Vivian, her features twisted in barely contained fury.

Vivian's gaze, sharp and cold, locked onto Millie.

Sensing the tension, Charles instinctively moved to shield Millie.

Vivian barely glanced at Charles before stepping closer,

A faint, mocking smile crossed Vivian's lips as she looked at Millie."SO, Charles is your knight in shining armor now?"

Millie met Vivian's glare without flinching. "I have no idea what you're trying to say."

Vivian scoffed, her tone icy, "You really think hiding behind Charles is going to save your ass? Please.Brandon's already thrown you aside, Millie. In the end, you're nothing but yesterday's news. Even as Serena,what does it matter? Do you honestly think Brandon will ever take you back?"

Charles tensed up and cut in sharply, "That's enough, Vivian!"

Vivian ignored him completely, her attention fixed on Millie.

"So this is it, Millie? Hiding behind Charles now?" Vivian sneered.

Millie kept her smile light. "You know, I honestly don't get it. Why do you despise me so much?" she asked,her tone curious. "You always wanted Brandon, right? Well, he's all yours now. So why the bitterness?Besides..." Millie gave Vivian a knowing look. "You might want to hold onto him tight-he has a habit of slipping away."

Vivian offered no reply, choosing instead to glare daggers at Millie.

There was no way she could let Millie find out or even suspect her illness was just a ruse.

Vivian still hadn't won Brandon over for good. She couldn't afford any mistakes now.

A moment later, Vivian's expression softened, turning frail and innocent as she glanced past Millie."Oh Brandon, you're here."

Millie turned to find Brandon walking over, his expression tangled with conflicting emotions.

Brandon gave Vivian a nod, and then moved to take Millie aside for a private word.

Before he could touch her, Millie slipped deftly out of reach.

"We need to talk, Millie..." Brandon started, concern shadowing his face, but before he could finish, a new voice chimed in.

Brandon glanced up to find Myron standing there, grinning at him.