Chapter 789



Freya, however, just stared at Kallie with a dark, sinister look, offering no help.

Seeing no one on her side, Rola stomped her foot in frustration. “Sophie, just you wait!”

Sophie nodded. “Fine, I’ll wait.”

The host then announced that Rola was about to perform.

Rola quickly straightened her dress, lifting her chin like a proud swan. Just as she stepped onto the stage, she stopped abruptly, turned, and smiled at Sophie. Yet, her smile was strange, unsettling. Her voice dripped with malice as she clearly articulated each word. “You won’t beat me today. I can’t wait to see you cry.”

Sophie hummed in response, thinking Rola was bluffing and not taking her threat seriously.

But soon, the smile faded from Sophie’s face.

Rola took the stage, performing the formalities before settling at the piano.

As Rola began her performance, the familiar piano notes filled the air, and Kallie’s and Sophie’s expressions shifted instantly.

The competition required an original composition. It was difficult, but everyone competing here was considered a prodigy.

As soon as Sophie knew this rule, she eagerly dove into preparation, aiming for a perfect performance. She had spent the last month painstakingly composing and refining her piece, getting feedback from renowned musicians, and practicing it at least twenty times.

This was the culmination of Sophie’s hard work. But now, that very piece was being replayed by Rola. Having heard the piece countless times, Kallie recognized it instantly as Sophie’s original work.

Sophie, facing this kind of situation for the first time, turned to Kallie with wide, anxious eyes, completely unsure of what to do.

Kallie’s face darkened, and she gently patted Sophie’s shoulder to comfort her. “She clearly stole your composition.”

Before the competition, each contestant had to submit a backup copy of their sheet music. Somehow, Rola must have gotten her hands on Sophie’s.

“What do I do now? She stole my music. What am I supposed to play?” Sophie’s voice trembled, tears welling up in her eyes.

Kallie squeezed her shoulder gently. “Stay calm, Sophie. Don’t be afraid.”

Sophie sniffled, fighting back her tears. “Mom, can I switch to a different piece? If not, I won’t play my original.”

Contestants had the option to use the music provided by the competition instead of their original compositions. However, doing so would significantly affect their results.

Kallie shook her head, her expression firm. “No, you’re going to play your piece. This is your hard work. Why let someone else take it from you? They’re the ones in the wrong, not you.”

Determination slowly replaced the panic in Sophie’s eyes, though she hesitated. “But she already played it. Won’t it look like I copied her?”

Kallie patted her head gently. “Don’t worry about that. Leave it to me.”

As Rola finished her performance, the applause thundered through the hall.

Although Sophie’s piece wasn’t as refined as works by established composers, for someone so young, the performance was impressive.

Oblivious to the truth, the audience showered Rola with praise, calling her a prodigy.

Rola basked in the limelight and held her head high, accepting the admiration as though the composition had been her own and not stolen.

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