Chapter 235

Vivian Laurent rose slowly, her fingers lifting from the piano keys.

"How was that?"

The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Someone stammered, "Vivian... who taught you to play like that?"

"Self-taught," she replied casually.

The audience gasped.

"And... what was that transition between the two pieces? It was breathtaking!"

"Improvised," Vivian adjusted her sleeves.

The crowd erupted.

She'd composed that flawless bridge on the spot? How was that even possible?

All eyes turned to Victoria Roscente.

The winner was clear.

Vivian glanced at Victoria's phone. "Judges, it's time to announce the results."

A long silence came from the other end of the line.

"Young lady..." One judge suddenly sounded emotional. "I feel like I've seen you somewhere before."

"Wait!" Another judge interrupted. "We need to bring in someone else."

Soon, a familiar voice came through Victoria's phone.

"Victoria? What are you doing overseas?"

"Maestro!" Victoria exclaimed in delight.

The room buzzed with shock.

It was Maestro Fredette!

"My student is competing?" Fredette cut straight to the point. "Did she lose?"

Victoria paled. "Maestro, the results aren't out yet!"

The three judges exchanged glances.

Was there even any doubt?

"Fredette, your student's quite stubborn," Vivian remarked suddenly.

The crowd froze.

That familiar tone...

"Losing to you is normal," Fredette sighed.

Victoria's eyes widened.

"What do you mean, 'normal'?" Vivian raised an eyebrow.

"If even I lost to you, how could she win?" Fredette stated frankly.

Vivian waved a hand. "Don't say such things with everyone listening!"

The room exploded.

That rumor from two years ago...

It was true!