Chapter 171
Sophia Lowell finally had a rough draft of her piano composition.
But she had secretly altered the sheet music.
She deleted most of the complex notes and simplified the difficult passages.
The original version was too challenging for her.
At least this version was listenable.
She fantasized about the audience's stunned reaction when she performed at the Centennial Gala.
Everyone would be captivated by her talent.
Perhaps she could even climb the social ladder through this opportunity.
Sophia brimmed with confidence.
She had deliberately avoided Evelyn Laurent these past weeks.
The slap mark on her face had finally faded.
No longer needing foundation to cover the bruise, she looked radiant.
Between piano practices, she meticulously maintained her persona.
Those around her truly believed she was the seventh daughter of the Lowell family, treating her with reverence.
The adoration made her giddy.
"Evelyn, we're up next! I'm so nervous!"
Lillian Rothschild clutched Evelyn's skirt, her chest heaving.
Usually lively and cheerful, she couldn't control her racing heart before such a major performance.
This rehearsal would determine their program's performance order.
Evelyn wore a rare aqua-blue gown for the occasion.
The classical dance dress gave her an ethereal grace, her water sleeves flowing with natural elegance.
"Treat it like a regular practice." She patted Lillian's shoulder.
Other teammates gathered around.
"I'm really nervous too," someone whispered.
They all admired Evelyn's composure.
No matter the situation, this girl remained unflappable.
Lillian took a deep breath.
"Let's do this! We're the best!"
"We're the best!" The girls cheered each other on.
Sophia overheard them and curled her lip in disdain.
Her gaze landed on Evelyn.
That exquisite dance dress drew a scornful glint in her eyes.
How dare a country bumpkin perform? She must have pulled strings to get on stage.
Sophia had specially rented a diamond-encrusted gown for today.
The white skirt sparkled with countless crystals, guaranteed to dazzle under the lights.
She would stun the audience like a princess.
Even though this was just a rehearsal, she came fully prepared.
It was Sophia's turn to perform.
She glided gracefully to the piano and bowed to the judges.
But she hit the wrong note immediately.
Though she recovered, the difficult passages sounded stiff and awkward.
The judges exchanged glances.
They soon stopped her performance, assigning her a late slot without ceremony.
Sophia bit her lip as she stepped offstage, eyes burning with resentment.
Then it occurred to her—saving her best for the actual performance would make an even bigger impact.
Chin lifted like a proud peacock, she swept off the stage.