Chapter 186: Resident Singer

Chapter 186: Resident Singer

Aviah's POV

I arranged for Kevin to work under Cameron, finding him an easy job.

I didn't talk much with him. He has amnesia now and doesn't remember many things. Given the situation with the Westerfield family, it's better not to tell him about the past.

As for taking him home, forget it. Especially if Scarlett sees him - who knows how crazy she'd get.

Besides, she probably wouldn't believe it anyway. After all, she personally learned the truth about what happened back then from the Westerfield family's housekeeper.

Since he's already died once, let him start a new life.

Consider it payback for all the times he protected me.

I was about to leave when Cameron found me.

"Ms. Lynch, I opened a bar in Dawnlight Square. The prep work is done, but I need to build up some buzz. Remember that performance Scott had last time - the ancient tribal priest dance? I want to invite them to perform as promotion, but I don't have their contact info. Since you're close with Scott, could you ask him to get me their number?"

I froze when I heard this. Dawnlight Square? That's one of the poorest areas in Lakeview with the highest crime rate.

A bar there would probably go under pretty quickly, right?

Plus there are lots of gangs there. Is he trying to recruit them?

Wait, suddenly it clicked. I looked at him. "You want to open a bar in Dawnlight Square because you got word from Sebastian, right?"

Cameron looked stunned, clearly not expecting me to figure it out.

"Ms. Lynch, you're really something. How did you know?"

I shook my head without answering. It's not that I can tell fortunes - I just understand Griffin better. He's expanding too fast and making too many enemies, so he needs to spread his influence around. At critical moments, it might come in handy.

A place like Dawnlight Square is pretty chaotic, but at the same time, there are lots of opportunities.

What exactly is Griffin up to?

"Alright, I got it. Leave it to me. I haven't seen him in a while anyway - I'll swing by Black Cat Pub. Want to come?"

"No thanks, Ms. Lynch. I'm swamped right now, can't be in two places at once."

I smiled. "OK, take good care of him and give him something easy to do."

"Got it."

I drove straight to Black Cat Pub.

Scott looked really surprised to see me. "Long time no see. I thought you'd forgotten about me, too busy to come find me."

"How could I? By the way, today I went to..."

I was about to mention the Allen family situation, but hearing his sigh, I changed the subject. "Why the long face?"

"Competition's targeting me. Business has been bad lately. I want to hire some resident singers to draw a crowd, but someone's working against me behind the scenes. Nobody dares to come. I'm worried."

Hearing this, I raised an eyebrow, delighted.

I'd actually been planning to perform incognito as a resident singer to attract attention.

After a while, I could get some paparazzi to snap a few photos, put them in the papers, and I'd be famous in no time.

But thinking about my bet with Scarlett, I hesitated. I could help Scott, but I couldn't tell him about this - couldn't tell anyone.

So I just told him about Cameron's request. As expected, he contacted them for me right away.

As for safety concerns, with Cameron there, no need to worry.

After handling that, I made an excuse to leave.

I wandered around outside for a bit. When it got dark, I copied Griffin's style and put on a mask, then returned to Black Cat Pub.

I found the bar manager and said I wanted to be a resident singer.

The manager looked surprised. I didn't go directly to Scott to avoid being recognized.

"Wait here, I'll get Mr. Allen."

I noticed some people in the distance pointing at me, whispering to each other.

Then, moments later, Eddy appeared out of nowhere.

He walked up to me and looked me up and down. "Which neighborhood are you from?"

I didn't answer. Seeing this, he reached up to knock off my mask.

I quickly stepped back, protecting my mask. Just then Scott rushed over. Seeing this, he spoke up quickly. "Eddy, what do you think you're doing?"

Eddy looked us both up and down. "Pretty quick timing. What, your lover?"

Scott frowned deeply. "Watch your mouth. She's a resident singer I hired. She's my person. If you want to mess with her, you'll have to get through me first."

"Playing hero, huh? How touching." Then Eddy turned to look at me. "Miss, you'd be better off with me than him. Look at him with those glasses, all prim and proper - how could he possibly protect you?"

I laughed mockingly, looking him up and down with a critical eye. "Choose you? Your stink is so bad I can smell it from 3 feet away. Can't you afford deodorant and cologne?"

Then I made a gagging motion.

With that, the tense atmosphere instantly broke. Scott couldn't help but laugh.

Everyone followed suit, and the laughter grew louder.

Eddy's face turned red instantly. He pointed at me, shaking, unable to get a word out for a long time.

Finally, he left with a "you just wait," turning and walking away.

Probably went to spray on some cologne.

Scott turned to look at me. "Ma'am, no matter how you sing, I've decided to hire you. Starting today, you're Black Cat Pub's resident singer. How much do you want to be paid?"

I shrugged. "Just pay me your highest rate. I won't disappoint you."

Scott didn't waste words. He walked straight onto the stage, grabbed the microphone. "Tonight, we have a resident singer joining us - and she's a hot lady. Let's give her a round of applause."

The crowd's reaction was pretty flat. Only a few scattered people clapped.

Seeing this, I said nothing. I just grabbed another microphone, and my voice came through.

No accompaniment, no lights, because nobody else had reacted yet.

I just wanted to win them over with my talent.

And for this kind of venue, nothing conquers a crowd better than a rock song.

Though I'm female, I can use vocal compression to create a deep, low voice.

Of course, that's nothing special - for many singers, it's basic technique.

At the same time, I incorporated my own unique style, giving it a distinctive flavor.

As my singing started, the previously noisy crowd unconsciously quieted down, their eyes turning toward me.

Now all eyes were on me as I moved with dance steps, gliding to center stage.

Following my rhythm, following my voice, the rest of the band immediately caught on, connecting perfectly.

The lights also shone on me right on cue.

Under the lights, my mask glowed silver-white, making me look like I was bathed in holy light.

Everyone stood up, raised their hands high, and swayed like sunflowers.

I shouted in real time, "Let's turn it up!"