The room went silent. No one had expected this, but it was the most reasonable outcome. Brenda held the final authority, after all.

“I agree,” Dave said, turning to Blake with a smirk. “Mr. Lawson, should we hand the stage back to the contestants? Or… are you thinking of a career change? Maybe stepping into acting yourself?”

The jab hit Blake hard, his jaw clenching as anger rushed through him. He turned sharply and stormed off the stage without saying a word.

Bianca glanced at Reese ...