Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 211

Chapter 211 Talent Show 

* Finished 

“I swear, what is her deal?!” Noelle snapped. “She wants the spotlight, fine. But why drag our squad into her little show?” 

“Ava, she’s one hundred percent targeting you,” Zoey whispered under her breath. 

Ava stared at Malory for a moment. Her lips curved slightly before she looked away. 

If that was supposed to bait her, it failed miserably. She didn’t care for drama, and she wasn’t desperate for attention. 

Malory noticed Ava’s glance drop, but kept pressing. “Q–B! Let’s go! Someone get up here!” 

She raised her finger to her lips and shushed the crowd. Then, her eyes locked directly onto Ava. “Q–1–B captain! How about you?” 

Her voice carried across the entire field. Even the random onlookers, who had no clue what sparked this, started cheering and shouting, pushing the pressure higher. 

Ivan stepped up beside Derrick and muttered, “Is your captain seriously trying to pick a fight with ours?” 

Derrick clapped him on the shoulder. “Chill. This isn’t boot camp. Let the kids handle their own stuff. It’s a harmless call–out, not a war.” 

Ivan had no idea how to shut this down. The crowd was too loud, too wild. And Ava? She was cornered. If she turned it down, Unit A would act like they won. But if she stepped up? Malory had just burned the stage with a sizzling routine that left every guy drooling. 

The whole arena was already on fire. No matter what Ava did, it felt like she’d come out losing. 

Ivan hesitated, then walked to her side and said quietly, “If you don’t wanna go through with it, I’ll shut her down for you.” 

Ava gave him a smile. “Instructor, I don’t think Malory’s unbeatable. Let me check something first.” 

She stood and turned to her squad. “Alright, I didn’t plan on performing. But Unit A’s acting like we don’t even matter. That dance Malory did? I won’t lie–I can’t beat it. 

“But I know there’s someone here who can. I’m asking–who wants to shut them up? This is your chance. Our instructor deserves to hold his head high. And you You might just become the name everyone remembers. 

“Any volunteers?” 

She looked around the group with calm determination. 

Her words struck a nerve. The crowd was already taunting them, mocking their silence. 

Ava didn’t 

FIND 

10 yell. It hinted at something better–recognition, attention, even a little fame back on 

campus. Seven or eight hands shot up. Ava smiled and waved them over. 

She led them a few steps aside. They whispered together quickly. Then, they picked one girl to represent Unit B. 

This girl had real moves. And a voice. Her performance wasn’t just hot–it was bold, flashy, and powerful. 

Chapter 211 Talent Show 

Different from Malory’s, but just as crowd–stealing. 

Ava returned to her seat and watched it all unfold, grinning. 

Noelle leaned in and gave her a thumbs–up. “That was smooth. Really smooth.” 

14%2 

Finished 

Before, she just thought Ava was tough. A fighter. Someone who stood up for herself when needed. That alone made Noelle like her. 

But now? Ava wasn’t just gutsy. She was clever, gracious, and sharp. She didn’t even need to step onstage to win. 

The other girls in Unit B were watching her differently too. Compared to Unit A’s diva captain, Ava seemed thoughtful and down–to–earth. She handed the spotlight over without a second thought. 

Ava beamed. “I’m not anything special. We’ve just got some serious talent on our side.” 

Noelle burst out laughing. “Wow, look at you, Captain Morren. All generous and stuff. You really didn’t want the spotlight?” 

Ava smiled at the stage. “If someone wants to shine, I say let them. And if you ever want your moment, Noelle, it’s yours.” 

Noelle laughed harder. Somewhere between the jokes, they both realized they had more in common than they thought. 

Zoey looked at them like they were speaking alien. “What the hell are you two even talking about? None of that made sense.” 

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