Chapter 238

"Ribbit—" The toad suddenly let out a piercing croak. Victoria Roscente's stomach churned violently.

She clamped a hand over her mouth, her face deathly pale.

The grotesque amphibian's warty skin oozed a foul stench. She couldn't bring herself to do it.

Her phone screen glowed, showing the ongoing call.

"Maestro!" Victoria's voice trembled. "Please talk to Vivian for me. I can't—"

Maestro Fredette watched his disciple's pitiful state on screen, brows furrowed.

"Vivian," he said gravely. "As a personal favor to me, let this matter rest."

Vivian Laurent chuckled. "Very well. For you."

Victoria sagged with relief, her knees nearly buckling.

"Th-thank you, Maestro—"

"Thank Vivian," Fredette cut in sharply. "Let today's lesson remind you—there's always someone greater."

Victoria's nails dug into her palms.

She could accept defeat from anyone. Anyone but Vivian Laurent!

"I understand," she forced through gritted teeth.

Fredette shook his head in disappointment. "I took you as my student for your talent. Not to watch you use piano as a status symbol."

For years, Victoria had neglected practice, only flaunting her master's name when convenient.

"Your lack of sportsmanship today was disgraceful." His voice turned icy. "Effective immediately, you are no longer my pupil."

Victoria's head snapped up. "Maestro?!"

The livestream chat exploded.

"No! Maestro, I was wrong!" Panic laced her voice. "Give me another chance!"

The call had already ended.

The three judges exchanged uneasy glances.

One ventured hesitantly, "Ms. Laurent, about next month's International Piano Forum—"

"Not interested." Vivian's refusal was crisp.

The room erupted in gasps.

That invitation was the holy grail for pianists worldwide.