Faced with no other option, Ariana devised a contingency plan with the crew.

Plan A was the best-case scenario: Sarah would arrive on time and the performance would proceed without a hitch. But in the event of her absence, Plan B would come into effect. Just before the live broadcast began, the host would announce to the already-seated audience that Sarah had withdrawn from the competition.

All the participants had arrived at the rehearsal except for Sarah.

Betsy felt a chill in her nose and tightened the scarf around her neck, burying her nose. She whispered to Ariana, “I went to watch the rehearsal just now. Elva is really putting in a lot of effort this time. Not only did she choose a difficult song, but her dress is also very grand. The dress looks customized. It even has a huge pair of white wings on the back! She looks like a bird woman in that dress. She is definitely aiming for first place."

Ariana laughed at Betsy's comment. Suddenly, she recalled something important and asked, “Did Sarah mention the song she intends to sing in the final?"

"No," Betsy replied after much thought. Her mood fell at the sudden question. She kicked a pebble by her feet melancholically and muttered, “I'm afraid she wouldn't be coming. The show is already starting soon."

Ariana frowned as she watched the cars driving by. None of them stopped. However, she still held on to her hope that Sarah wouldn't give up so easily.

“I'm sure she will come," Ariana said firmly, which comforted Betsy.

“Okay, I trust Sarah too."

Ariana looked at her watch and patted Betsy's shoulder.

"I have something to attend to. You stay here and inform me if anything happens," she said hurriedly.

"Okay." Betsy nodded.

Meanwhile, Elva had already changed into her dress backstage

All that was left to do was her makeup.

She was on her best behavior today. She smiled a lot and spoke to all the staff politely.

While waiting for her make-up to be done, she browsed through her social media and looked at the current result on the online poll. She was still in second place. However, she was confident to rise to first place as long as Sarah dropped out.

“Elva, what do you think of this necklace?" the makeup artist asked as she showed Elva a set of pearls with a beautiful sheen.

Elva glanced at the pearls and declined, “Pearls do not shine bright enough. I want to go with diamonds."

She swept a glance around the room and caught sight of Sarah's exclusive stylist. She beckoned the stylist over and warned her casually while she was doing her hair, “Be careful. I need to look perfect today!"

Elva had practically robbed Sarah's team of stylists while she was away.