Behind the scenes of the Opera Populaire, a man growing in age, but still lively, worked hard to make sure all the props and lighting, etc. was ready. The Opera was preparing to perform, hurrying to put the Opera Ghost and that incident from Paris's mind. Christine Daae and Raoul, le vicomte de Chagny escaped the Ghost's clutches and they were away planning their wedding. Christine would be back, but not until after their honeymoon. In the meantime, they were without a diva; Carlotta was of course more than willing to come back, but after Christine's success, the Opera patrons weren't interested in her lack of singing and acting abilities. The aging technician, Maurice, shook his head; he'd been sorry that a life had been taken, but Buquet was a nuisance and very much disliked. As for Piangi… he hadn't been dead as they had at first presumed, merely unconscious. As for a diva, Maurice's daughter had quite a voice and had had years of previous training thanks to the voice teacher that had resided in the little village where she had been born and raised in. They had since left, looking for a better life for themselves and a wider world for the girl's restless mind to explore.
Now, his daughter Belle, had auditioned for the role of diva and the managers were presently pondering over it. She was quite good, her voice well-trained, but would she get the Ghost's approval if hired? The Opera Ghost still reigned, still sent his monthly notes, requesting his fee. Though he seemed to have quieted down since Christine's departure; there had been no threats and had been able to rent out Box 5 without incident. But they didn't dare bring Carlotta back, the Phantom would have a fit without doubt and the threats would likely begin again. For the moment though, he seemed happy enough so long as he received his monthly fee, which they did without question. Their resident haunt hadn't been found that night and upon the next day, no one seemed to remember the way to his lair. They had all been too eager, too outraged and bloodthirsty to pay any mind to their surroundings. But so long as his allowance was paid, the Ghost was quiet and less troublesome and now the managers happily paid it. As long as that was all that was necessary to keep him quiet and content. 20,000 francs a month was a significant, but the reservation of Box 5 had taken away a bit of their profit. Now that they could rent it out without problems, there was a little more money in their pockets.
"What if it's Christine Daae all over again?" Andre fretted, pacing back and forth, "What if he becomes obsessed with her as he did Mlle. Daae and kidnaps her?"
"Andre, we have no prima donna!" Firmin returned, "We must either risk that or losing money! Far more will be lost than we do paying his silly fee. We will hire her, we must, she has obviously had the proper training."
So Belle became prima donna, much to her father's pride and joy and the managers' fears of her abduction were put to rest within the first week. Not only did they not receive any notes of disapproval, there was no sign that he had visited Belle. She hadn't heard any heavenly angel's voice, nor had anyone talked to her through her mirror. The damned Ghost was leaving their new diva well enough alone. Things couldn't have been better for the Opera Populaire.