Chapter 7

This was the first time a stage built on talent alone had introduced a test of character. Lola had been utterly confident she would win the award. Everyone else had accepted that outcome as inevitable—until now. With the new criterion in place, Lola couldn't very well stand before the crowd and admit her integrity was lacking. Amid the rising murmur of speculation, she forced a gracious smile and raised her voice. "It's fine. I trust the fairness of this competition—and I trust myself." The...