radicalducati Chapter 428: A Passing Fancy
Chapter 428: A Passing Fancy
Nicolas had heard about Michael from Brandon before. Michael’s reputation preceded him—a notorious playboy fond of flirting with women. As the heir to the Yates Group in Blosa, he certainly wasn’t lacking in admirers of the opposite sex.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Nicolas felt a pang of sympathy for Sophia and harbored a growing resentment toward Michael.
Just as Nicolas was about to voice his thoughts, the host’s voice resounded from the stage.
“After a short break, we now welcome all contestants to the stage for the final showdown!”
The contestants were ushered onto the stage, each preparing to make a last appeal for votes.
While the judges had already assigned their scores based on the performances, the outcome was to be finalized through the audience’s votes.
The announcement of the top three would soon be made public.
Blake and Reese were the undisputed stars, receiving unanimous acclaim from the crowd.
The final results were soon revealed: Blake secured first place, Reese took second, and Shelly Nelson, representing Orion Entertainment, claimed third.
Though Shelly’s earlier showings had faltered, her remarkable improvement in the final round drew surprise and admiration from Bianca and the audience alike.
Blake’s strength lay in his singing, Reese shone in acting, and Shelly demonstrated talent in both. Not only did Shelly sing beautifully, her acting was equally compelling.
Despite tying with Reese in the judges’ scores, Shelly ultimately fell just a few points short in the audience vote.
Bianca had played a pivotal role in boosting her artists’ popularity, having organized a press conference that increased their visibility.
Because the show was pre-recorded, everyone involved was bound to secrecy regarding the filming. Nothing would be disclosed until the episode was broadcast.
The talent and skills competition concluded there, but the episode’s airing would be accompanied by a live broadcast—one last popularity showdown featuring the top three.
This distinctive feature of “Star Search” was designed to test both the agencies’ resources and the performers’ capabilities.
In the current entertainment climate, popularity often eclipsed raw talent and skill.
Hence, investors tended to cast popular stars over seasoned actors and actresses.
Contestants who excelled in the skills competition but failed in the popularity round risked ridicule and ostracism from the industry.
So, while the prior episode’s results were promising for Blake and Reese, nothing was guaranteed except their demonstration of talent.
Contestants who failed to break into the top three would be disqualified from the popularity contest.
After much anticipation, the award ceremony commenced with the announcement of the top three.
From the outset, curiosity had swirled around the identity of the enigmatic CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group.
Now, at last, he would appear in person. The audience’s excitement was palpable as they awaited Dave’s entrance.
“Let’s welcome the director of this show to present the award to the second runner-up.”
With applause filling the room, the director mounted the stage and presented Shelly with her trophy.
“Now, let’s give a round of applause as we invite Brandon and Nicolas to present the first runner-up award.”
Cheers erupted as Brandon and Nicolas ascended the steps together, jointly presenting Reese with her trophy.
Reese’s cheeks flushed—she was meeting her idols for the first time, and her gratitude was effusive.
Following the awards for Shelly and Reese, they exited the stage, leaving Blake alone in the spotlight.
The host, brimming with excitement, declared, “Finally, let’s give a warm round of applause to our special guest presenting the champion’s award—the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group, Mr. Evans!”
The crowd burst into applause as Dave’s name was announced.
Some audience members shot to their feet, craning for a better look.
Bianca felt a nervous flutter in her chest at that moment.
Dave strode onto the stage, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, his black suit impeccably tailored. He exuded the composure of a successful businessman and possessed a noble, aloof air—an aura befitting a natural-born leader.
As Dave made his entrance, the audience’s excitement sent Bianca’s heart racing.
“Oh my gosh! Is he really the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group? I thought he’d be some unattractive old guy!”
“He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen! I can’t help myself—I think I just fell in love!”
“He’s got the whole package: looks, wealth, status. Who wouldn’t fall for him?”
“He’s perfect for me. I have to marry him!”
Bianca found herself speechless at the crowd’s lovesick exclamations. Sure, Dave was attractive, but the enthusiasm seemed a little over the top.
In her view, money and status were a man’s true assets; good looks were just a bonus. With all three, Dave could have any woman he wanted.
Bianca couldn’t bring herself to look at him, acutely aware that someone like him was out of her reach.
“I knew it. The handsome ones are always the most dangerous,” Diana muttered, arms crossed.
Bianca understood Diana wasn’t just talking about Dave. She raised her head and warned, “Don’t be taken in by someone like that, especially if they’re that talented.”
“Of course not.”
Dave accepted the trophy and made his way over to Blake.
Seated in his wheelchair, Blake could only gaze up at the tall figure before him, his expression tinged with disdain.
This was not the first time they had confronted each other like this. Gone were the days when they’d stood as equals.
Blake was stunned to realize Dave was, in fact, the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group.
“How... how could it be you?” Blake murmured.
A wry smile played on Dave’s lips, his gaze exuding a natural authority.
Bending down to offer Blake the trophy, he murmured, “I told you once before—someone like you isn’t even fit to polish my shoes. You say I’m not good enough for her, but what makes you think you are?”
His eyes flickered momentarily toward Blake’s legs—perhaps unintentionally.
That fleeting look, filled with contempt, stung Blake deeply, wounding his pride.
Just earlier, Blake had accused Dave of being unworthy of Bianca. Now, those words came back like a boomerang, striking him with full force and leaving him feeling foolish.
Clutching the trophy tightly, Blake found that what should have been a moment of triumph was instead awash with humiliation as he stared up at Dave.
Perhaps Dave was right. How could he ever deserve Bianca? He was a man with a disability now.
It dawned on Blake that his opponent wasn’t merely an ordinary man—he was the CEO of Phoenix Alliance Group, someone who could destroy him with just a word.
How could he ever hope to compete? The thought was nothing short of self-humiliation.