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."

a landslide, with eleven

rules, Violeta

lowered her gaze

Violeta had scored higher,

But now...

lost herself

Violeta play made her realise just how far she had

Violeta earns an extra ten

There was only silence.

Hattie said nothing.

and felt a pang of

Violeta. Now, seeing Hattie retreat, Zelena was

spoke. "No

and walked away from

unsure of what to do, followed her

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

had played three pieces, each

score was 25. Violeta's was 30. Hattie

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

No answer.

The audience remained silent.

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

no opponents left, Violeta found playing

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

at the owner. "No, I'm

nodded, jotting down the final scores for Hattie and

unchallenged, she would emerge as the undisputed victor

wooden zither hangers by a

and inspected it closely. "Wow, it's beautifully intricate,

"Thank you," Violeta acknowledged.