Chapter 173

The dress rehearsal finally concluded, and the program lineup for Harvard University's Centennial Gala was finalized.

Sophia Lowell stared at the performance list, her nails digging deep into her palms.

Her act was scheduled third from last—a position most likely to be forgotten by the audience.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Laurent's performance was prominently placed as the opening act.

"Unfair..." she muttered under her breath, her eyes burning with envy.

The dressing room lights cast shadows over her twisted expression.

Suddenly, a cold smirk curled her lips.

"If you're so desperate for the spotlight..."

On the day of the gala, Harvard University was adorned with festive decorations.

The auditorium was packed to capacity as distinguished guests were ushered to their seats by staff.

Ethan Sullivan occupied the prime center seat, his gaze repeatedly flickering toward the backstage entrance.

Richard Langley and Victoria Langley had canceled important meetings just to witness their daughter's performance.

"Darling, is this angle good?" Victoria adjusted the focus on her professional camera.

"A little more to the left," Richard replied nervously, rubbing his hands together. "We must capture every perfect moment of Evelyn."

Backstage, the top stylist brought by Sebastian Langley was putting the final touches on the performers.

"Oh my... Evelyn..." Lillian Rothschild gasped at Evelyn's reflection in the mirror.

Evelyn smiled faintly, the sequins at the corners of her eyes twinkling like stars under the lights.

"Tonight belongs to you," she whispered. "Believe in yourself."

Sophia lurked at the corridor's edge, peering through the door crack at the scene.

She bit her lower lip until the metallic tang of blood filled her mouth.

"Just wait..." She vanished into the shadows.

In the auditorium, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Isn't that the Langley brothers?"

"Alexander Langley flew back from abroad for this?"

"Wasn't Nathaniel Langley in the middle of an experiment?"

The arrival of the Langley siblings drew countless awed glances.

Backstage, Julian Langley monitored the event via video call.

"Zoom in, damn it!" he barked into his phone. "I need to see Evelyn!"

Meanwhile, Evelyn stood in the wings, waiting for the music to begin.

Unbeknownst to her, the center stage floor had been tampered with...