She could feel Sadie's thinly veiled hostility directed specifically at her. This bad score was clearly intended to harm her. Ariana suspected that Sadie would find an excuse to stay on as judge unless her team was eliminated.

As Holden Frederick's fiancée, Sadie had a lot of influence. The show producers wouldn't dare to offend her or reject her demands.

Ariana's team's only hope was to get enough votes in the online voting to make up for Sadie's skewed score. Otherwise, it was almost guaranteed that they would be eliminated.

The thought alone made Ariana so anxious her stomach churned.

Meanwhile, her phone wouldn't stop vibrating as the group chat with her friends was flooded with messages.

Sarah was furious and didn't hide her frustration.

“That tone-deaf dimwit wouldn't know good music if it was played right in front of her plastic face!"

"Is she deranged? Who allowed this talentless hack to judge others?

Does she think we're all idiots?"

“No skills, no credentials, just a shrill harpy spewing garbage."

Sarah sent a bunch of angry messages, to vent her frustration.

The others also consoled Ariana. For her part, Sonia was fully aware of Sadie's intense jealousy and hatred towards Ariana.

Her friends’ unconditional support warmed Ariana's heart and raised her spirits somewhat.

Sonia's comforting text helped her brace herself mentally. It was just the first round. She would have no problem outmaneuvering a petty schemer like Sadie.

Just then, a private message popped up on Ariana's phone.

“Free to talk?"

It was her mysterious online wealthy friend. She hadn't talked to the person since visiting the Fredrick estate and realizing he was most likely Holden Frederick.

Thinking about Holden inevitably made Ariana think of Sadie, fueling her burning anger. She replied laconically, "What's the matter?"

Holden's message didn't come before a short while.

"How's Melon been recently?"