Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 254 Rewarding Day

Hattie furrowed her brow as she observed the crowd.

Violeta had just finished her performance.

The shop owner clapped enthusiastically, genuinely impressed by how well the young girl had played. Is this the natural talent people talk about?

"Ms. Ridge, you seemed quite absorbed just now," he remarked.

Hattie blinked in surprise. "Nonsense, I was not."

The owner smiled. "Well, it's your turn now."

Hattie pressed her lips together, adjusted the false nails on her fingers, and began to play.

Her technique was as precise as Violeta's, but her interpretation of the melody differed, and thus creating a distinct effect.

While Violeta's rendition was poetic and evocative, Hattie's was flawlessly standard but lacked any memorable quality.

When Hattie finished, the room filled with applause, yet she remained unusually silent.

She now comprehended the gap between her and Violeta.

Zelena and her friends, who had not applauded for Violeta, clapped loudly for Hattie.

The owner spoke again, "Now everyone can vote. Stand in front of Violeta if you support her, and in front of Hattie if you support her."

The audience quickly chose sides, forming lines in front of both girls.

Zelena and her friends, of course, stood by Hattie and even pulled a few others over.

The owner instructed his staff to count the votes. Although both sides had supporters, it was clear at a glance that Violeta's line was longer. The counting finished quickly.

"Violeta has twenty-eight votes," the staff announced.

"Hattie has seventeen votes."

landslide, with eleven more votes

owner declared, "As per the rules, Violeta gets

lowered her gaze and

when Violeta had scored higher,

But now...

had genuinely lost herself in

Violeta play made her realise just how far

at Hattie. "Ms. Ridge, Violeta earns an extra ten

There was only silence.

Hattie said nothing.

noticed Hattie's silence and

would fiercely compete with Violeta. Now, seeing Hattie retreat,

Hattie spoke. "No more competitions. I'm

stood up and walked

and her friends, unsure of what

had played four pieces, scoring 8, 8, 9, and nothing for the last

played three pieces,

Violeta's

left, the shop owner addressed the audience. "Does anyone else want to

No answer.

The audience remained silent.

owner then turned to Violeta. "Ms. White, do you

no opponents left, Violeta found playing alone somewhat

the time and realised it was nearly time to meet at the

at the owner. "No, I'm done

jotting down the final scores for Hattie and Violeta, ready for the next challengers

would emerge as the undisputed victor

crafted wooden zither hangers by

inspected it closely. "Wow,

"Thank you," Violeta acknowledged.