“No matter who it is, we’ll have to be on guard. Upgrade our security system right away and set up firewalls around our connectivity to the internet. Then we’ll be able to track their IP down the next time they attack.” At once, Jamie answered, “Got it. I’ll do it right away.” Then, Elise ran another check on the internal system and repaired some loopholes before giving it a final check. The attackers must have been well prepared with how they left no traces after the breach.
Having been preoccupied by the incident until afternoon, she proceeded to leave the building. She took the elevator and descended to the first floor, only to find out the building was crowded by someone’s fans. Baffled, she halted her steps and read the sign in the fan’s hand—Charlene Rivers. Many memories from the past flashed across her mind when she saw that name. They lived in the same world, yet Elise had always managed to neglect her.
What a small world! “Charlene! Charlene!” The fans, cramped in one space, chanted Charlene’s name in unison. Shortly after, Charlene walked up the stage under her bodyguard’s escort. She grabbed a microphone and smilingly greeted the audience, “Hello, everyone. I’m Charlene Rivers. It’s an honor to see you here.”
Elise, standing amidst the crowd, watched as the elegant, dashing Charlene walked up the stage. There was an indescribable emotion in her eyes. Now, Charlene had become an A-list singer who had published numerous albums that topped charts and received multiple music awards. She had become a musical icon of the era. Regardless, Elise had no interest in her, so she simply turned around and left. Unexpectedly, not far away stood Noel, who saw Elise and hurried over to her, grabbing her by the wrist.
“Why are you here?” Immediately, Elise scowled and turned her head, gazing at her constricted forearm. “Do I need to report everything I do to you?” Quickly, Noel let go of her. “I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just surprised to see you attending Charlene’s fan meeting.” Elise’s face was rather emotionless, even when it came to the person who she once was the closest to. Monotonously, she answered, “You’re overthinking it. I’m only here by chance. I have no interest in her affairs.”
Noel was visibly unconvinced. The Elise that was currently in front of him was as stubborn as the one he knew in the past. “Nevermind. Charlene said she misses you very much and wishes to explain to you what happened back then. Why don’t I arrange a meeting for the two of you?” Elise gave him a mocking smirk and pursed her lips. “Do you think there’s still a need for that now?”
Hearing that, Noel assumed that she was still holding grudges on the incident many years back, but Charlene was innocent in the matter as well. They could’ve sat down together and had a proper discussion about it. If they had done that, perhaps Elise would have given up on the resentment and returned to her singing career, which was the dreams of many music enthusiasts. “H, in spite of everything, you’re old friends. Just see it as a reunion, can you?”
Elise remained silent. All of a sudden, a familiar tune was played on the stage, and she heard Charlene saying, “Next up, I’ll be presenting a hit of mine—Stargazing.” It was Charlene’s most popular song since her debut. After so many years, it was still one of the top songs in pop music charts—one that was familiar to many. And so, once the song’s prelude played, every single fan that was present started chorusing. “Be it composition or lyrics, this song of Charlene is recognized as an all-time classic.
Thus, it’s always everyone’s go-to song despite having been published after so many years,” Noel generously praised as he failed to notice Elise’s tensed fists. Originally, she just wanted to pass by Charlene without having to recall anything from the past with her. Nevertheless, having heard the song, she couldn’t help questioning, “If she’s that talented, why does everyone only remember this one song of hers?” Her statement dazed Noel.
Indeed, although Charlene had released countless albums and singles after the hit, none of them could surpass Stargazing. Despite her questioning, Noel said, “It’s impossible to turn every song into classics. It’s already difficult to have even one.” Elise knew that Noel had always unconditionally believed in Charlene, so she didn’t attempt to argue, though his words were rather irritating to hear. “Then is there a possibility that this one classic of hers is a product of plagiarism?”
At that, Noel chose to remain wordless. Memories started flushing in his mind. He opened his mouth as if he was about to refute, but knowing further debate would be pointless, he simply replied, “Charlene is a talented singer. She would never do such a thing.” Elise raised her gaze toward Charlene, who was smiling sweetly on the stage. She, too, once believed in what Noel just said. But sadly, humans were prone to make mistakes, including judging others. “I’m leaving,” Elise blurted and immediately walked away. Watching as she walked into the distance, Noel blurted, “Even if I knew what you said was the truth, there’s nothing I can do to change it.
I’m sorry, H.” Withdrawing his stare, he walked toward backstage. After Charlene was done with the song, she went backstage to get changed. When she saw Noel, she trotted to him. “How was the performance? Was I good?” He soundlessly looked at her. After hesitating for a while, he eventually revealed, “H was here.” Surprisingly, upon the information, her brows tensed. Even her voice clearly shivered. “Really? H? She came? W-Where is she?
I wanna meet her…” Noel stared at the familiar expression. At his stare, Charlene felt somewhat embarrassed and quickly looked away. “Why are you staring at me like that, Noel?” He answered, “She left already.” Visibly, Charlene let out a sigh. Noel, however, observed every gesture and word of hers assiduously, yet he didn’t attempt to confront her. “Didn’t she quit music? Why is she here? Oh, by the way, what’s her relationship with Jack Griffith?
Why did she write a song for him?” Although she was feeling uneasy, she appeared to be concerned about Elise. At that moment, her behavior made Noel feel as if she was a stranger to him. “Ask her yourself if you wanna know. I’m heading back.” Charlene hastily called for him, “Wait!
The event’s not over yet. Then—” However, this time, Noel didn’t even care to turn around as he marched away, leaving her standing still, biting her lips. All the gentleness in her eyes instantaneously dispersed as it was replaced with darkness. Then, she pulled out her phone and made a call. “I want you to look into a person for me. I want her latest details. Every single one.”
