Chapter 817 Can't Make It
With great difficulty, Abella entered Gate F under Phillipe's protection, and the whole world suddenly became quiet.
In front of her was a warm and tranquil indoor corridor, complete with heating, in stark contrast to the icy world outside.
Assistant Brenda Kramer had been waiting there for a while. When she saw Abella, her eyes showed a hint of amazement. "Are you Abella?"
It was her first time seeing Abella. She had heard from Blake that his sister was very beautiful, and today she found it to be true.
She pulled down her mask and gave Abella a bright, friendly smile. "My name is Brenda Kramer, Blake's assistant. Nice to meet you."
"Hello." Abella also pulled down her mask and shook hands with her.
Brenda was slightly chubby, with fair skin and attractive features. When she saw Phillipe, she gave him the same friendly smile. "Mr. Bourbon, long time no see."
Phillipe and Blake were friends, so Brenda knew him as well.
Although Brenda was of the opposite sex, Phillipe rarely nodded at her and showed a gentle expression.
"Abella, Blake is rehearsing. I'll take you to see him." Brenda showed her sincere and friendly side. "Blake said you're timid. Is my speaking volume okay? Blake repeatedly reminded me not to scare you away."
Abella couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not afraid of even the roughest male voice, let alone your gentle tone."
"Really?" Brenda was overjoyed. "I always thought I was too rough and might scare you. You're a freshman, right? I'm two years older than you."
"Junior?"
"No, I finished all my studies abroad and graduated early. I've been working with Blake for almost a year now."
As she said this, she glanced at Phillipe and whispered to Abella, "Before you came back, Blake used to look forward to Mr. Bourbon's visits. Their relationship was so good that people speculated about it."
She didn't continue but instead giggled. "Anyway, Blake has changed now. He only has you in his heart and worries that Mr. Bourbon might lead you astray."
Abella smiled lightly, and Brenda couldn't help but be stunned. What a beautiful and elegant girl.
"I heard from Blake that you were found half a year ago. Your family is so good-looking, especially you. I was really amazed when I first saw you. Have you considered becoming a star? If you join the entertainment industry, I can help you."
Abella smiled slightly. "Not considering it for now."
"Why not? You're so beautiful. If you become a star, you'll be more famous than Blake!"
"I'm studying medicine."
"A doctor? That's a good profession too. Although not as many people will see your stunning looks, you can help more people in need."
At this moment, Brenda's phone rang. She saw it was her agent calling.
"Sorry, Abella, I need to take this call." Brenda led the way while quietly answering the phone. "Hello, yes, I understand. I'll tell Blake in a bit."
After hanging up, Brenda looked a bit dejected but quickly returned to normal.
"What happened?" Abella asked softly.
"Have you heard of Summer? An internationally renowned singer who never shows her face. We wanted to invite her as the final guest to perform a duet with Blake. We thought it would be a win-win situation. With Blake's popularity, she might at least consider it. But her agent just flatly refused."
"Just now?" Abella asked calmly.
"No, it was a few days ago. We expected the rejection, so we looked for a singer with similar fame and age to Blake. We thought Eliza Tovar from the music industry would be a good fit."
Eliza and Blake were about the same age, both very popular with fans, and had their own hit songs with strong fan appeal.
"Our official account announced a few days ago that the final guest would be a top female singer. Many fans guessed it was her. But just now, the agent called and said a reporter was going to expose Eliza's scandal, saying she was having an affair with a wealthy businessman and had a secret child with him last month, which would be revealed tonight."
"Eliza is already very distressed and has no mood to participate in any duet. She's hiding at home, not daring to go out. The agent called to say tonight's collaboration is canceled, and we can't find a replacement for the final guest." Brenda was worried because, aside from personal issues, Eliza's voice combined with Blake's would provide an excellent auditory experience, something not just any singer could achieve.
"Indeed, some top singers will attend Blake's concert, but we announced a top female singer of similar age, which is hard to find."
In the music industry, there were only a few young top female singers, and they had to be in Empire Vista City and available to come.
"So what does the agent suggest now?" Abella asked.
"The agent wants me to talk to Blake to see if he plans to find some seniors to help or if he'll perform solo." Brenda sighed. "If Eliza can't come, Blake can tell the fans the truth. Blake really wanted to duet with Eliza because of you, Abella."
"Me?" Abella was puzzled.
"Because the last song was written by Blake as a brother for his sister. He wanted to use Eliza's unique voice combined with his to sing it to you as a surprise."
That song was meant to be a duet.
Abella didn't expect Blake to prepare such a surprise for her. After a moment of silence, she said, "Let's go find Blake first."
"Okay." Brenda led the way. "We're almost there, just ahead."
Meanwhile, Abella took out her phone and sent a message.
On stage, Blake finished his last dance move and saw Brenda bringing Abella over. He immediately signaled to the staff behind him, "Everyone, take a break."
"Abella!" He ran to Abella, ruffled her hair, and said happily, "You finally made it!"
"Blake," Abella called out.
"You're so good. Did you eat enough tonight? I ordered takeout for you backstage, all your favorite foods. Come, I'll eat with you." Blake put an arm around Abella's shoulder and bumped fists with Phillipe.
"I'm not hungry."
As soon as Abella finished speaking, Brenda said, "Blake, I need to tell you something."
"Tell me later."
"The finale guest can't make it," Brenda said concisely. "A reporter is going to expose Eliza's scandal tonight. Eliza is overwhelmed and can't come."