Chapter 172

On the other side of the stage, the judges whispered among themselves.

"What was that? Just showing off technique with no substance."

"Completely missed the soul of the piece. Too eager to impress."

"This is an insult to music itself."

They shook their heads before turning their attention back to the stage.

Evelyn Laurent's performance was about to begin.

Lillian Rothschild stood in the center position, with Evelyn taking the secondary center spot.

Sophia Lowell burst into laughter at the sight.

Crossing her arms, she stared at Evelyn with undisguised contempt.

How dare some country bumpkin take the secondary center position?

The music began.

Ten dancers moved in perfect harmony.

Their water sleeves flowed like liquid silk, blending strength and grace in mesmerizing patterns.

Sophia's mocking smile froze.

Her expression shifted from derision to shock, then twisted into bitter jealousy.

Impossible... Since when could Evelyn dance?

Hadn't she grown up in some backwater village?

Sophia trembled with rage.

This was only the rehearsal.

Yet Evelyn executed every move with flawless precision, her expressions perfectly controlled.

Though positioned second, she outshone even Lillian in the lead role.

The dance concluded.

Thunderous applause erupted through the auditorium.

Lillian excitedly grabbed Evelyn's hand. "You were amazing!"

Evelyn offered a faint smile.

While the other dancers gasped for breath, she didn't even break a sweat.

After heated discussion, the judges selected their performance as the opening act.

"Perfect!" Lillian babbled excitedly. "We did it!"

Even Evelyn's lips curved slightly at her enthusiasm.

Unbeknownst to her...

In the last row of the auditorium, Ethan Sullivan watched intently behind his mask.

His gaze hadn't left Evelyn since she stepped onstage.

Now observing her surrounded by admirers, warmth flickered in his eyes.

His little rose never failed to surprise him.

Wherever she went, she shone brightest.

Ethan could already imagine how many jaws would drop during the actual Centennial Gala.

A country bumpkin?

Please.

Those who underestimated her would soon regret it.