My Coldhearted Ex demands a Remarriage by Eva Blackwood

Chapter 1054:

Something was off. The melody… it was too familiar. What started as vague déjà vu soon settled into certainty. Carrie’s composition mirrored Aliza’s earlier performance—too closely.

The phrasing, the rhythm, even the subtle harmonic turns bore a startling resemblance. At least seventy percent, if not more. Yes, Carrie’s execution was more polished, more technically controlled. But Aliza had played first. To the audience, that made all the difference.

In their eyes, Aliza had introduced the style. Carrie’s performance, though beautiful, now carried the heavy shadow of imitation. And imitation, no matter how refined, could not steal the crown from originality.

The judges exchanged glances. Silent, but telling. One shook his head ever so slightly; another let out a slow breath.

They made no move to interrupt—not because of Luca Morrison’s influence as president of the Music Association, and certainly not to favor his family—but out of respect for the art itself. They would listen to the piece in full. The music deserved that much.

the Association’s judgments remained public, subject to scrutiny. The Morrison name carried weight,

among the competitors—would not still

in the room. Her fingers glided, her brow slightly furrowed in concentration. To

breaking the stillness. A smattering of applause followed—scattered, hesitant, and far from enthusiastic. The clapping felt obligatory. Thin smiles masked the unease rippling across the crowd. Whispers followed in its wake, low and buzzing like bees

tales

exhaled quietly and leaned back, a wisp of a smile curling on

obvious out of reverence or fear. But she had underestimated the audience’s pride in their artistry. These were musicians, composers—people who held music

A knot tightened in her stomach. The applause was tepid. Polite, at best. She had played beautifully—she knew that. Perhaps

hall, searching for clues. Then she caught it—someone had murmured Aliza’s

something similar?