Chapter 197
Sebastian Valdemar's slender fingers traced the competition list, his brow slightly furrowed.
Evelyn Roland's name was conspicuously absent.
A scorching gaze swept over her. Evelyn turned to meet Sebastian's penetrating stare.
"Now, let's welcome our final contestant!" The host's voice brimmed with excitement. "She will perform a breathtaking original piano composition!"
Fiona Valentine stepped onto the stage with graceful poise, her white gown shimmering like pearls under the lights.
The first note rang out. Evelyn's fingers clenched involuntarily.
This melody... it was too familiar.
She pressed her lips together, sitting quietly in the audience.
Fiona's performance flowed effortlessly, leaving the concert hall in awed silence.
As the final note faded, thunderous applause erupted.
The judges revealed their scores. Fiona unsurprisingly claimed the highest marks.
"Miss Valentine's original piece is truly remarkable," praised Professor Jameson, a renowned musician on the judging panel.
A cold smile touched Evelyn's lips.
"This piece came to me in a sudden burst of inspiration," Fiona murmured shyly, her ears turning pink.
The audience erupted in chatter.
"Genius!"
"That melody is unforgettable!"
Professor Jameson stood excitedly. "Your musical talent is astounding!"
Under the spotlight, Fiona's smile grew radiant.
"This composition..." A cool female voice cut through the air. "I believe I've heard it before."
The room fell silent.
Lights abruptly shifted to the audience, illuminating Evelyn's exquisite profile.
Fiona's pupils constricted. Her nails dug into her palms.
Her again!
"M-Miss Roland?" Fiona's voice trembled. "What do you mean?"
Evelyn rose slowly, her black gown accentuating her elegant curves.
"It's not too late to admit your mistake," she said softly, each word crisp and clear.
Fiona's face drained of color.
Sebastian studied Evelyn with thoughtful intensity.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Miss, please refrain from disrupting the competition!" A middle-aged man stood abruptly from the judges' table, his face dark.
Felix Valentine snatched the microphone, glaring. "How dare you question the contestant?"
Evelyn calmly retrieved her phone.
"Because I am the original composer of this piece."