Chapter 204

Backstage, the director walked over again and reminded her once more about when to step onto the lift. "Make sure to watch me onstage. I’ll signal you when it’s time to go up." Alice Sterling nodded briefly. When the previous performer wrapped up and the host announced the next act, Alice rose from the backstage platform to the main stage. The beginning part of her performance went exactly as rehearsed—every movement was spot on, and her voice remained steady despite the choreography. The director watched from the dark corner off to the left of the audience, a pleased smile tugging at his lips. As the music built toward its climax, he signaled Summer with a hand gesture, telling her to step onto the platform. But Alice didn’t appear to see the cue at all. She acted like the director wasn’t even there. He got so flustered, he nearly stood up, trying to wave her over more aggressively. She was only a few steps away from the lift but totally missed the timing because she kept following th