Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 19

Lianne was speechless for a moment. 

Can’t he just skip this question? 

“None of your business!” Lianne answered in frustration. 

57 

Finished 

“You came here without telling your mom?” Laurent saw right through her. “You stole her card, didn’t you?” 

Lianne puffed up her cheeks, furious like an angry pufferfish. 

How can someone be this annoying? 

He’s too much. 

The private room door suddenly opened. Mason stood there and said, “If you’ve got something to say, come inside. Can’t you see the little girl is about to cry?” 

Laurent glanced toward the hallway. “It’s crowded out here. Let your friend come in too.” 

Lianne’s face lit up right away. She knew this meant the argument was over. “I knew you were the best, Laurent! I’ll go get my friend Ava.” 

When Mason heard that name, he turned and gave Laurent a quick look. “Your friend’s name is Ava? Which family is she from? How come I’ve never seen her before?” 

Lianne thought Laurent’s friend seemed pretty nice. He had even helped her out just now. 

“She just came from Alayna Planet. She doesn’t live on Capitol Planet. Her name is Ava!” After saying that, she ran off in a hurry. 

Mason and Laurent exchanged a knowing glance. Everyone in the room had heard their conversation from outside. They looked at each other and then turned their eyes toward the door, their expressions filled with curiosity. 

“Ava, perfect timing! My brother and his friends are having dinner here. Come on, let’s join them.” 

Ava felt hesitant. She didn’t know those people, and she had only met Lianne for the first time that day. 

“Lianne, why don’t you go cat with your brother? I should head back.” 

Lianne grabbed her hand, her eyes brimming with tears. “Ava, are you mad at me? It’s my fault. 

1/3 

15:37 Tue, Jan 6 

Chapter 19 Lianne’s Request 

I didn’t think things through. You’re right to be angry.” 

Finished 

The doll–like girl looked up at her and started to cry. Ava had no defense against that. Then Lianne went on, “If you don’t come in with me, my brother will think I’m lying. He’ll yell at me for sure when we get home. Ava, please don’t leave me hanging.” 

Ava sighed. Even though they had just met, she really liked this little girl. She reached out and touched the headband on Lianne’s head. “Alright, I’ll go in with you. If your brother asks, I’ll explain for you.” 

As she spoke, she took a hairpin from her bag. It was made from a metal called snow jade, which is white and smooth, like creamy jade, but extremely hard. It was perfect for making jewelry. Her grandpa had made it by hand a few years ago as a birthday gift. 

She lifted her hand slightly and twisted her long hair into a quick bun. Her movements were graceful and smooth. Her dark hair swayed lightly, carrying a faint scent with the passing breeze that felt quietly alluring. 

Mason pressed his thumb against his knuckle behind his back. Could she really be that person? Aside from the same name and being from Alayna Planet, she looked nothing like the girl in the file. 

The one in the file looked ordinary. She only stood out for being hardworking and disciplined. Nothing else about her was special. 

When he had been forced into that match, Mason had stared at that simple file, doubting everything. 

He lowered his eyes and glanced at the others in the room. It seemed none of them were feeling calm either. 

Ava followed Lianne to the private room door. The moment she looked inside, she recognized the men sitting there. They were the same ones she had seen in the elevator earlier. 

She steadied herself. She was just there to eat and drink for free, and she decided to stay invisible for the rest of the night. 

When Lianne walked in, she saw three people inside. One of them was the current sensation in the music scene, the lead member of the popular group K.M.N. 

Lianne clutched her chest, feeling like she might faint from excitement. She shot Laurent a glare. He had such a famous friend, but never said anything. 

The fangirl in her almost screamed, but managed to hold it in. Anyone who knew would understand how big this was. This guy wasn’t easy to deal with. Along with his fame came his sharp tongue. Fans called him the “King of Sass” and the “Master of Calling People Out.” 

213 

15:37 Tue, Jan 6 

Chapter 19 Liannes Request 

:. 

Finished 

He had once scolded an actress so badly that she almost quit the industry. Though, to be fair, that woman had tried to use him for publicity. Still, in the entertainment world, everyone knew to be careful with words. But he was someone who just didn’t follow the rules. 

Lianne couldn’t stop glancing at Ryan. Her excitement was obvious to everyone. 

Following her gaze, Ava looked over too. The masked man from that morning had removed his mask. His face was striking and wild, with a teasing look in his eyes. He made a faint clicking sound that carried a strange hint of amusement. 

154 

( 

15:37 Tue, Jan 6 

The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride