Chapter 12: The Race Against Time
Ethan didn't argue with the clerk. He took Lily’s hand and marched directly toward the auditorium doors. Security guards moved to intercept him, but Ethan’s sheer presence and authority made them hesitate.
He burst through the double doors just as the judging panel was preparing to call a recess. The wealthy donors and parents in the audience gasped.
""Mr. Vance, you cannot interrupt this proceeding!"" the compromised director shouted, standing up from the judges' table.
""My daughter had an audition at 10:00 AM,"" Ethan boomed, his voice echoing in the acoustic chamber. ""She was removed due to a corrupt phone call from Eleanor Sterling. I have the phone records."" (He didn't yet, but his bluff was terrifyingly convincing). ""If this institution values politics over raw talent, I will personally pull funding from every arts program in this city and ensure the press knows exactly why.""
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The head judge, a legendary Russian pianist who cared nothing for politics, held up a hand. He looked at the tiny five-year-old girl standing bravely beside the billionaire.
""Let the child play,"" the old man commanded.
