Chapter 54
The host was getting curious too.
Who exactly was standing in the front row that kept pulling Julian's attention away?
She tilted her head and glanced toward the crowd.
There were too many people packed together to make out much, but one girl immediately stood out for a very simple reason.
She wasn't looking at the stage.
Almost everyone else had their phones out. Even some of the older shoppers were recording. They might not have known exactly who Julian Sterling was, but apparently "famous person" was enough reason to record first and figure it out later.
The host only had time for a quick look before returning to her actual job.
"It sounds like Julian is already pretty familiar with Verve and even uses some of our products. Verve is all about helping young people feel confident, energetic, and comfortable being themselves."
She smiled at the audience.
"And speaking of young people, college students are a huge part of that. In fact, one of today's mystery guests is a current college student!"
Backstage, Chloe Dawson immediately straightened her skirt.
That had to be her.
Only Chloe and Tessa Moore were waiting backstage now, and Tessa had graduated years ago.
Out in the front row, Emma had finished replying to Lana and was now dealing with Adrian.
Adrian texted her constantly. Sometimes she answered. Sometimes she didn't.
This particular message required an answer.
Emma immediately typed:
If she didn't answer, he'd show up anyway. He'd already invited himself over for dinner two days ago.
Adrian had always been very good at inviting himself.
"And now," the host announced, "let's welcome our mystery guest to the stage!"
Emma finally put away her phone and looked up.
She'd heard Julian's name earlier.
She hadn't expected to run into him here, but it wasn't particularly strange either. Brand appearances were part of being a celebrity.
Julian noticed the exact moment she raised her head.
Their eyes met.
His face immediately brightened, and he gave her another wide smile.
Emma blinked.
Was he smiling at her?
Probably not.
She looked away without reacting.
Julian's smile stalled.
He tilted his head slightly.
What was wrong with Emma today?
She wasn't excited to see him. She didn't even look particularly happy.
Had something happened?
Before Julian could think about it any further, Emma suddenly moved.
His brows drew together as he watched her.
Emma knew the host was calling her. The marketing manager had already told her she'd be introduced as one of the mystery guests.
The problem was getting onto the stage.
The crowd was packed so tightly around her that reaching the small staircase at the side was nearly impossible.
Emma looked at the stage.
Then at the crowd.
Fine.
She bent her knees and jumped.
She landed on the stage.
Julian stared.
The host stared.
For half a second, the entire front section seemed to stare.
Emma straightened as though nothing unusual had happened.
Her red cargo pants immediately caught everyone's attention. With the fitted black tank top, bare shoulders, and narrow strip of waist showing above her waistband, she looked striking even before most people got a clear view of her face.
Emma casually swept her long hair back and started toward the center of the stage.
The host had worked plenty of promotional events.
She had never seen a guest make an entrance quite like that.
At the same time, Chloe Dawson walked onto the stage from the side entrance.
Then she caught sight of Emma.
Her brows pulled together.
Emma Carter?
What was she doing here?
Had she really jumped onto the stage just to get everyone's attention?
The crowd was equally confused.
"Why are there two people coming up?"
"That's Chloe Dawson, isn't it? I recognize her."
"Then who's the girl in red?"
"Wait—is she a Julian fan?"
"She just jumped onto the stage!"
That explanation spread quickly.
Fans rushing onto stages wasn't unheard of, and security immediately became alert, watching for a signal from the host.
No one seemed to consider the possibility that Emma was supposed to be there.
After all, what invited guest climbed onto a stage like that?
The livestream comments exploded.
Chloe hadn't forgotten Emma's last unexpected moment in the spotlight.
Not even close.
Her expression cooled.
"Emma!" she called, making sure everyone could hear. "What are you doing up here?"
Most of the people inside the mall had no idea who Emma was.
The livestream was different.
With hundreds of thousands of people watching, recognition came quickly.
Then another comment appeared.
More viewers started paying attention to him.
Julian watched Emma walk toward the center of the stage.
Under normal circumstances, he probably should have been concerned.
But he wasn't.
Emma would never hurt him.
Still, this was a professional brand event, and as far as Julian knew, Emma wasn't supposed to be on that stage.
Before she could reach the center, he stepped forward and intercepted her.
He leaned closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
"Whatever you need to tell me, wait until I'm offstage."