Chapter 64 Why Did You Come Alone?

A week later, the Celestia Cup national preliminaries opened under the glare of the entire country. Outside the venue, crowds surged and cameras flashed in a frenzy. Inside, the giant ring-shaped screen played promotional reels. The excitement was so intense that it almost blew the roof off. Cressida walked in alone through the backstage corridor. She wore the simplest white shirt and jeans, her face bare of any makeup. Against the nervous contestants bustling around her, she looked sorely out of place. She found her assigned seat and set down her art kit. Just as she began arranging her brushes, a stir rippled through the air behind her. It was Natasha. Flanked by her assistant and bodyguards, she strode in like a queen surveying her domain. The moment she appeared, the audience erupted into a tidal wave of screams. "Natasha! The championship is yours!" "My idol! We'll always support you!" Basking in the adoration, Natasha made her way over and stopped by Cressida's seat. Sh