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

rules, Violeta gets an additional

lowered her gaze

Violeta had scored

But now...

genuinely lost herself in

was always proud, hearing Violeta play made her realise just how far she had to go. She found herself

"Ms. Ridge, Violeta earns an extra ten points. Do you have any

There was only silence.

Hattie said nothing.

silence and felt a pang of

hoped Hattie would fiercely compete with Violeta. Now, seeing

moment, Hattie spoke. "No more

up and

friends, unsure of what to do,

round without Violeta, Hattie had played four pieces, scoring 8, 8, 9, and

pieces,

was 25. Violeta's was

the shop owner addressed the audience. "Does anyone else want to participate in

No answer.

The audience remained silent.

turned to Violeta. "Ms. White, do

Violeta

nearly time to

smiled at the owner. "No, I'm done

nodded, jotting down the final scores for Hattie and

would emerge

presented with two exquisitely crafted wooden zither hangers by a

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

"Thank you," Violeta acknowledged.