Seeing Charles approach, Kaija's attention shifted from the crowd to him. His face was cold and unreadable as ever, silver eyes fixed somewhere on the floor without sparing her a glance.
A quiet sigh slipped out of Kaija. Now that she'd learned the stipend that came with her contract was actually a special treatment only she received, her mind was filled with questions for him.
At the gold mic stand in the middle of the stage, Charles delivered one last speech, first thanking everyone attending the festival this year, then the judges, then the competitors.
When he finally lifted the flap, everyone was already on their feet, holding their breath. Some shouted Liisi's name, while others called out for Kaija instead. Drum rolls started playing in the background, the air growing heavier and more suspenseful with every second.
