Masked In Nobility: Secrets Of Mrs. Chavez by Selina Gorges

Ruby saw everyone’s gaze and forced herself to suppress the jealousy and resentment in her heart. She glanced at Yvette, who was on the stage lowering her eyes, and said coldly. “Mr. Holmes, I just want to ask, does what you said before still count?”

The crowd was puzzled, even Zion was a bit taken aback, not understanding why Ruby suddenly asked that. He nodded and said, “Ruby, I stand by my words, rest assured.”

Ruby gave a smug smile. That was exactly what she wanted to hear from Zion. “Mr. Holmes, I admit that Yvette plays better than I do. I won’t argue. But you once told me that playing the piano isn’t just about focusing on technique. It’s about capturing the true emotions of the piece. Only by doing so can the performance truly move people, right?” she said.

Zion remembered his own words clearly. Ruby was not wrong. He had indeed said that, and not just once. “Yes, that’s what I said, he replied.

Ruby looked at Yvette triumphantly, then raised her voice and said, “We pianists all know the love story of Bryan Brooks and his wife. This piece, Dream, was a birthday gift he composed for his wife. The piece expresses Mr. Brooks‘ love and promise to his wife. But just now, what Yvette played was completely off the mark. Did you hear any lingering love in her performance! No matter how well it was played, if it doesn’t capture the composer’s true intent, how can she deserve a perfect score?

The contestants murmured in agreement. Although Yvette’s performance was excellent, the emotional interpretation was indeed off. The rest of the students in the auditorium, who did not understand music, whispered to those who did, asking if Ruby was right. After receiving confirmation, some started murmuring about how unfair it was that Yvette received a perfect score despite her flaws.

Zion was stunned for a moment. He had to admit that Ruby was right. Yvette’s interpretation of the piece did not align with the emotional context of the story. Based on her skill level, she surely would not have missed this backstory.

Zion could not figure out what was going on either Yvette’s playing did not convey the sense of love the story was supposed to evoke, only a kind of mutual respect with a hint of sorrow for a departed soul.

Zion directed his gaze toward Yvette. Only she could answer the question now.

The people in the first two rows–Andrew, Simon, Zachary, Jaiden, and others–also turned their attention to the stage. The entire auditorium wanted to hear how Yvette would respond. They wondered if she truly deserved that perfect score.

Yvette scanned the room and narrowed her eyes slightly, pondering for a moment before she spoke, unusually serious. “It’s fake”

auditorium erupted into

she mean? Is she

too, and our teacher told us the e same story.

things up to defend

“Who knows?

me a chance, why should Yvette get one? Her face was full of mockery and disdain as she said, “Yvette, are you out of your mind? If you want to argue, at least come up with a better reason. Fake? Are you saying Mr. Brooks was lying? And to think you play his music without

and asked, “Mr. Holmes, you don’t agree

could. She no longer cared about being

visibly intimidated. He said, “You… Ruby, right? You lost. Stop making excuses. If you can’t handle

signs of defiance as she glared at Zion. She could not provoke Andrew, but she had already gone too far to back out now. She waited, hoping to hear what

Simon, and the others remained silent. Since they were not as familiar with piano, they did not feel qualified to weigh in. Ultimately, it was up to Zachary to decide whether Yvelle’s

back. He knew that if he spoke, no one

waiting for Zion’s verdict. After a long pause, Zion sighed softly. “Yvette, what’s your thought on Ruby’s question? Why do you say the story is fake?”

eyes turned to the center of the stage. Under the bright lights, Yvette, dressed in all black, exuded a cold arrogance, her sharp gaze making her look fierce. Her entire aura was

during the conversation between Ruby and

Zion paused and replied,

are we waiting for? You owe us an explanation. Over a thousand people are waiting here. Isn’t that

Ruby’s spine, and the words she was about to say got stuc in her