Seeing Charles approach, Kaija's attention shifted from the audience to him.
His face was as cold and unreadable as ever. Silver eyes remained fixed somewhere ahead of him, never once drifting in her direction.
A quiet sigh escaped her.
Now that she'd learned the stipend attached to her contract was apparently a privilege given only to her, her mind was overflowing with questions. Questions she wanted answered by the man currently refusing to even look at her.
At the gold microphone stand in the center of the stage, Charles delivered the festival's closing remarks.
He thanked the audience for attending.
He thanked the judges for their time.
He thanked the competitors for their hard work and dedication.
By the time he finally lifted the envelope flap, nearly everyone in the hall was standing.
Some shouted Liisi's name.
Others called out for Kaija.
A steady drumroll began building through the speakers, each beat tightening the anticipation hanging over the crowd.
