Chapter 591

As we spoke, Teri came rushing over, slightly out of breath. She shoved the gown into my hands and said briskly, "Let's go, time for makeup!" Before anyone could say something, she grabbed my hand and whisked me off to find a powder room. Inside, while I changed into my gown, I quietly explained what had happened. "I knew it! Penelope's up to no good! You should steer clear of her in the future," she said with scoff. I nodded. I didn't need her to tell me the obvious. As they said—once bitten, twice shy. The lesson I'd learned from Jocelyn wasn't something I wouldn't forget anytime soon. As Teri helped me get ready, she alternated between venting her frustration about the situation and encouraging me to make sure I would win against Donna. Finally, once everything was in place, I stepped out of the powder room. As I walked toward the stage, I heard the unmistakable sound of people gasping, one after another. By the time I reached the piano, the chatter and noise had vanished co