Chapter 164
Everyone turned to stare at Sharon.
Nate’s face twisted in disbelief. “Sharon, are you seriously challenging Kelly right now? Even professional violinists wouldn’t dare say that to her face. Did you grow some seriously big balls overnight?”
Sharon stayed calm, her tone breezy. “When it comes to the violin, I’ve never lost to anyone.”
Nate froze for a beat, then suddenly erupted into uncontrollable laughter. He laughed like he’d lost his mind, flailing his arms and nearly doubling over. 1
“Never lost to anyone? You? Who gave you the guts to say that in front of Kelly? Your mother?”
The crowd broke into laughter.
They didn’t think Sharon was arrogant-just absurd.
When the gap in skill is small, it’s called confidence. When it’s this wide, it’s just delusion. Laughable, really.
Right now, Sharon was nothing more than a punchline.
Even Madeline, usually so stern and proper, couldn’t stop the slight smirk tugging at the corners of her lips.
But not everyone laughed.
Carter and Theo stayed silent. Theo didn’t quite grasp everything that was happening, but seeing the crowd’s reaction made him feel like he’d been stripped bare in public-exposed and ashamed.
Carter’s expression darkened. “Sharon, quit saying things just to make a scene. Go back and get changed. I’ll have my assistant bring you a fresh outfit.”
But Sharon shook her head. “No need. I already said-I want the dress Kelly’s wearing.”
Nate scoffed. “Seriously? Can’t you tell Carter’s trying to give you a way out? Take it.”
Kelly let out a gentle laugh. “It’s fine, Sharon. I won’t take your words to heart. I’ll just pretend you were joking.”
Sharon’s smile didn’t return the favor. “Who said I was joking? Are we even close enough to joke like that?”
Nate snapped, “Sharon, don’t push it!”
Sharon shot him a cold look. “If you’ve got extra dignity lying around, donate it to someone who needs it. Don’t hand it to me—I
find it disgusting.”
Carter’s voice dropped low, his tone sharp. “Sharon, I know what Kelly’s capable of. Stop making a scene over nothing.”
Their voices had risen high enough to catch the attention of the judges, who were preparing to oversee the lot drawing. Curious
-and slightly concerned-they walked over. 1
“What’s going on here? Why all the commotion?”
Just as one of the event organizers started explaining, a sharp gasp came from among the judges.
A woman in her forties, wearing glasses, stepped forward with visible excitement and walked straight up to Kelly.
“Excuse me, are you Kelly Walt?”
Kelly blinked, a little caught off guard. “I am. And you are…?”
“Kelly, hello! I’m Lucy Cornwell from the Amstern Music Association. I’m one of the judges for today’s competition. I saw a
1/2
video of one of your performances online not long ago. When I spotted you just now, I thought I must be imagining things. I can’t believe it’s really you!”
Kelly smiled warmly. “Ah, the famous Lucy Cornwell. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Lucy waved her hands quickly, flustered. “No, no-please don’t call me that. I couldn’t possibly accept that, not in front of someone as talented as you.”
Then, as if remembering something, Lucy added, “By the way, did you happen to get the invitation we sent for our association’s last concert?”
Kelly gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been tied up preparing for another concert, so I probably won’t be able to attend…”
Before she could finish, Lucy cut in, clearly thrilled.
“Oh, no worries at all! Of course someone as talented as you must be incredibly busy. But if you ever have the time, we’d love to have you visit the Music Association.”
Kelly nodded politely. “I’d be happy to. I’ll stop by when I get the chance.”
Lucy’s face lit up. “Great! Kelly, give me just a minute-I’ll be right back.”
2/2
