Chapter 171
“Since the judges haven’t seen anyone else yet, the opening act just has to avoid mistakes and deliver a few standout moments -it’s an easy way to rack up a high score,” Wendy said. “Even if the performers after are just as talented, it’s tough for them to
beat that first score.”
And just like she said, the next five or six acts couldn’t top the opener. Not a single one managed to surpass that score.
Watching the stage, Wendy tilted her head, a bit puzzled. “Huh? Isn’t this supposed to be a talent showcase? Why is everyone just playing instruments? No singing or dancing?”
After all, singing and dancing counted as talents too.
That’s when Xavier, who had been quietly observing the show, finally spoke up in a lazy drawl. “Singing and dancing don’t really belong on stage in our circles. In families like ours, we grow up learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Even if we never use those skills later, they’re good for maintaining… a certain image.”
Wendy nodded, suddenly getting it. “Ah, that makes sense.”
The stage featured a variety of instruments-pianos, organs, cellos, violins.
One parent, who was also performing a violin duet, seemed to realize the competition was fierce today. Maybe they sensed that winning was out of reach, because they held back a little, and only managed to pull off a score in the eighties.
Wendy, meanwhile, was having a great time watching the show.
At one point, a teacher approached Sharon’s group, clipboard in hand.
“Matty’s group-please head backstage to get ready.”
“Got it. Thank you,” Sharon replied politely.
She took Matty’s hand, and the two of them headed toward the backstage waiting area.
Wendy called after them, her voice full of encouragement. “Sharon! Don’t hold back! Show them what you’ve got!”
Sharon gave a faint smile. “Alright.”
She wasn’t about to go easy-not with her mother’s necklace on the line.
Backstage, a few other families were still waiting for their turn.
The showcase was almost over. The top score so far was 98.
As Sharon stepped in, she could sense a subtle shift in the room. A few of the parents glanced in her direction, their gazes tinged with judgment. Some, recognizing who she was, deliberately turned their heads away, expressions filled with disdain.
They had clearly seen what happened earlier.
High society thrived on comparisons-lifting some up, tearing others down. Sharon may have been Carter’s legal wife, but without a powerful family name or elite education, she was exactly the type of person they thought didn’t belong.
To them, even a mistress had more value than her.
But Sharon didn’t care. She found a seat with Matty and began tuning the violin.
That’s when an irritatingly familiar voice rang out-before the face even appeared.
“Well, if it isn’t Sharon! You actually showed up for the showcase? I figured you’d fake a fainting spell at the last minute to get
out of it.”
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She looked up to see Nate standing there with a violin in hand, Kelly at his side,
She glanced at him once, then looked away as if he were nothing more than a breeze passing by.
Nate looked toward the entrance, checking to see if Carter or Theo had arrived. When he saw they hadn’t, a smug smile spread
across his face.
He winked at Kelly. “Kelly, hasn’t she been giving you a hard time lately? Don’t worry-watch me take care of it.”
Kelly put on a practiced look of concern. “Nate, don’t go too far, okay?”
“Relax. I’ve got this,” he said, strolling toward Sharon without a care in the world.
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