Back on land, Brandon sat in the plush leather seat of the Blackstone family's limousine, his fingers drumming a nervous rhythm on his knee.
Beside him, Bailey hunched over her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she tapped out messages.
The soft hum of the engine and the occasional ping from Bailey's device were the only sounds breaking the tense silence.
Brandon's gaze flicked to the window, watching the city lights blur past as they made their way to pick up Elise for the Gala. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before pulling out his own phone.
"Jessie," he said as soon as the call connected, "do you have everything ready for the final performance?"
Jessie's voice crackled through the speaker, brimming with enthusiasm. "All the BMG staff have rehearsed and are super excited."
"And the company jackets?"
"Everyone has one, our BMG logo behind each one. Relax boss, all the staff, props and even the camera crew are already on location"
Brandon nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Great. And don't forget to memorize what I told you to."
As he ended the call with Jessie, Bailey glanced up from her phone, raising an eyebrow at her brother's intense expression.
Brandon caught her look and shrugged, already dialing another number.
"Andre," he said as soon as the call connected, "the speaker systems and tuned mic ready?"
"Yes sir!" Andre's deep voice boomed through the phone.
"Make sure everyone can feel the beat in their bones," Brandon chuckled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders.
Andre's laugh echoed back.
"No problem, my engineers and technicians can set it up in a minute."
"Good work," Brandon replied, ending the call and leaning back into his seat with a sigh of relief.
Bailey nudged him with her elbow.
"Nervous, B?"
Brandon shot her a wry grin.
"Just making sure everything's perfect."
Brandon pulled out his phone again, this time opening WhatsApp. He tapped on the group chat titled "Elite Squad" and began typing.
[ Brandon: Hey guys, you ready for the big finale tonight? ]
[ Pierre: Hell yeah! Can't wait to see what you've cooked up, B. I've got the rides you asked for ready. ]
[ Joyce: OMG! I'm so excited! What are we doing? ]
[ Brandon: Wait, Joyce you're in NOA too? ]
[ Joyce: WTF! I'm a second year like our Ice Queen! ]
[ Elise: I'm ready. ]
[ Brandon: Elise, we're 2 minutes away. ]
[ Bailey: B! I'M READY TO PARTY! ]
[ Brandon: Great! You'll all be part of my final performance. It's gonna be epic. ]
[ Joyce: EEEEEK! We get to perform?! ]
[ Bailey: Whoa, hold up B. You know I can't sing! > . < ]
Bailey looked up from her phone, her silver hair catching the light as she turned to face Brandon.
"So, what exactly do you have planned, B?" she asked, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in her voice.
Brandon's lips curved into a mischievous smile, his eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Don't worry, all you gotta do is drink, dance have an awesome time while i perform," he said, his tone reassuring as he turned his attention back to his phone.
[ Brandon: Relax. No singing required. Just need you guys to be a part of my entourage. ]
[ Elise: What exactly do you mean by that? ]
[ Brandon: Just dance, have fun and party with me as I perform! ]
Brandon put his phone away, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. He looked over at Bailey, who was eyeing him suspiciously.
"Why'd you seem so sure you'd be able to perform in the finals?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
Brandon's grin widened.
"Hah, 'cause your twin brother's awesome and …prepared."
The sleek limousine glided to a stop in front of a grand mansion. Brandon stepped out, his heart racing with anticipation. As he turned, his breath caught in his throat.
Elise stood at the top of the marble steps, a vision of ethereal beauty. Her gown, a masterpiece of haute couture, cascaded down her body in shimmering waves of midnight blue and silver.
The bodice, adorned with intricate diamond patterns, hugged her curves before flowing into a voluminous skirt that seemed to float around her. A high slit revealed a glimpse of her leg, accentuated by strappy silver heels.
Her jewelry, undoubtedly from her own Regalia Couture, glittered in the soft evening light. A pair of pear-shaped earrings swayed in the wind, matching the elaborate diamond choker that graced her neck.
Brandon stood transfixed, unable to tear his eyes away from her. Elise descended the stairs with grace, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks under his intense gaze.
"You look... breathtaking," Brandon managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elise's lips curved into a small smile, but her eyes darted nervously over her own shoulder.
Suddenly, she grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the limo.
"We should go," she said hurriedly, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
As Brandon allowed himself to be led back to the car, he caught sight of a middle-aged couple waving enthusiastically from the mansion's entrance.
The man, distinguished in a tailored suit, beamed proudly, while the woman, elegant in a designer dress, blew kisses towards them.
"Are those your parents?" Brandon asked, curiosity piqued as he waved back.
Elise's cheeks flushed deeper as she practically shoved Brandon into the limo.
"Yes, b-but we really need to leave now," she muttered, sliding in after him and slamming the door shut.
As the limousine carrying Brandon and Elise disappeared around the corner, Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheimer lowered their hands, their smiles fading into expressions of mild disappointment.
"Well, that was rather abrupt," Mrs. Oppenheimer sighed, adjusting his cufflinks.
"I had hoped to at least shake the young man's hand."
Mr. Oppenheimer patted his wife's arm consolingly.
"Oh, darling, you know how Elise can be. She's always been so... shy about these matters."
The couple turned and walked back into their opulent foyer, their footsteps echoing on the marble floor.
"Did you see how he looked at her?" Mrs. Oppenheimer asked, a hint of pride in his voice.
"I daresay our little ice princess might be melting."
Mr. Oppenheimer chuckled softly.
"As much as I want our baby girl by our side forever... I was starting to worry she didn't fancy men. Though I must say, I didn't expect it to be a Blackstone."
Mrs. Oppenheimer raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? And what's wrong with the Blackstones? They're a fine family, with a respectable lineage."
"Nothing's wrong with them, per se," Mr. Oppenheimer replied, her tone thoughtful.
"It's just... well, you remember how wild that boy was before he reappeared. Running away from home, his head injury."
Mrs. Oppenheimer waved his hand dismissively.
"Don't nit-pick. He's a young lad, my dear. Besides, have you seen the news lately? The boy's turned Blackstone Music Group on its head. He's got a good head for business, that one."
Her husband nodded, a small smile playing on her lips.
"I suppose you're right. And did you notice the way Elise was blushing? I can't remember the last time I saw her so... flustered."
"It's a good sign,"
Mr. Oppenheimer agreed, leading his wife into their living room.
"Perhaps the young chap will be good for her. Goodness knows she could use someone to help her loosen up a bit."
Mrs. Oppenheimer settled onto a plush sofa, smoothing her dress.
"Well, I just hope she doesn't push him away like all the others. You know how she can be..."