"Are you still in the competition?" Mirabelle asked stunned.
"Of course, why do you look surprised?"
"N... Nothing. It's just that Fred talked about his new artist attending the competition yesterday and even though I scolded him, he didn't change his mind about it." She said and I just smiled. Already fighting for her accomplice.
"Don't you think he would get mad at you again for going against his orders Maeve?" Mirabelle said calmly. "It's enough that he already blacklisted you, he might kick you out of his label for good." She said, acting like the concerned sister she was.
"Isn't that what everyone wants?" I smiled.
"Stop being such a hypocrite Maeve and listen. The rules were clear. Only one new artist from each label could compete there. Fred already picked the new artist, how would you attend?" Ama said sounding so upset already.
"Oh, that's not something you should worry about. I didn't enter the competition under any label. I entered as an independent artist." Since Fred Orchard has decided to blackball me, I will find a better label for myself.
"Huh?" Mirabelle said.
"Maeve, I know nothing about the music business, but from the little I know, I think brother Fred's label is enough. If he gets to cut ties with you, no one will accept you." She said.
"It's wise to leave the music space for now. Your name and reputation have been ruined, no label will want you anyway." She said.
"That is not up to you to decide," I said calmly ignoring the anger and frustration her words gave out.
"I should be heading to bed now, I have a bright day ahead of me. I hope you two will attend the competition to cheer me on. We're family anyway." I said calmly. "Especially you Ama." I rose from where I sat and started towards my bedroom with Becky behind me.
I had no idea when Mirabelle left, but I knew she had left my apartment with Ama, after trying to convince me not to attend the competition.
When morning came, I was about to walk into the bathroom, when my cellphone rang.
"Maeve, come to my office immediately," Fred said and hung up before I could respond.
I wondered what crime I had committed this time. I should really say no, but Fred Orchard owns me and my music for the next five years. He could do whatever to my career as long as it would be him milking the billions I owe him.
When I reached Silver Crown, there were a lot of reporters and paparazzi at the entrance of the building so I used the back door. I had heard from Becky that Silver Crown made a late-night announcement about who they had chosen for the competition.
And to keep fans entertained, they had said Rae's identity would be revealed at the competition while she performed. The entire Velmora were eager to know who the new heavenly voice belonged to.
There were already speculations online about what she looked like. Even though I already knew who it was, I still wanted to see for myself. I'll make Ama pay for the betrayal.
Most fans mocked me, especially my ex-fans who wanted I and Fred's marriage together for bragging rights to brag to the other fandoms.
Silver Crown even had a bot account praising her and trying to make us rivals by lifting her far above every accomplishment I've had over the past year.
I wasn't at all impressed by Fred's little smear campaign, though I knew my career had been ruined to an irreplaceable state. That is why this competition was going to be my comeback.
"You're saying you haven't seen her before either?" I heard voices coming from Fred's office as I stepped in. It seemed like he was in a meeting with an investor or sponsor of the competition ahead. They were probably discussing how to bribe Ama's way through since she had no talent.
These men would spend millions deceiving the public. It's always a 50, 50 chance that they get their investment back or not.
In the past, Fred had made a lot from Rae and I just watched from the sidelines. I was her drive. The brain behind every song, every note, every instrument.
"No, but her identity will be revealed today," Fred said calmly, his eyes shifting to me.
"I think we're done here Mr Collins, I need to speak to my artist," Fred said and the man turned to look at me. His face suddenly turned sour at the sight of me.
It was normal, they all hated me because of the forced scandal. I'm so sure that if they had the chance of killing me, they would have done it without a second thought.
I needed to save my name whichever way I could.
"Seat Maeve," Fred said once Collins was out of his office.
"I have a competition this morning Mr Orchard, I should be rehearsing for it," I said.
"You're not attending the competition Maeve.