Chapter 163

"She's completely shameless," Clara muttered to Jasmine in frustration. Jasmine sighed. "Forget it. Get some rest. We have to practice again tomorrow." Clara clenched her fists. "What's the point? With Mr. Lambert backing her, I'm definitely getting eliminated in the next round." Jasmine didn't know how to comfort her. In a place like this, connections always came before talent. People like them, with no background or support, were probably just there to fill the ranks and be eliminated early. That thought only made the pressure on her shoulders even heavier. This competition hadn't brought her the exposure she had hoped for. It hadn't helped the arts center, either. Once it was over, she would have to find another way forward. … The next day, both Clara and Jasmine showed up at the practice room, only to find it completely empty. No music instructor. No band. No support staff. It felt like they had been intentionally isolated. Clara looked at Jasmine apologetically. "This is