Chapter 174
Seated in the audience, Wendy’s expression shifted slightly as Kelly’s performance filled the hall.
“So she’s not all pout and dramatics after all,” she muttered. “Turns out Kelly actually has some real skill… Just judging from this piece, she’s had at least ten years of training.”
Next to her, Xavier added, “She’s huge online right now. Tons of hardcore fans. Sure, some of that’s thanks to Carter’s PR team, but she’s definitely talented.”
Wendy had always known Kelly as an “internet celebrity.”
Constantly in the media, tangled in rumors with Carter, trending every other week. Her name popped up almost every time Wendy scrolled through the news. She’d even seen thumbnails of Kelly playing the violin more than once.
But she’d never clicked on a single one.
To her, Kelly had always seemed like the type who thrived on playing the victim-just another professional damsel in distress. The labels-“violin prodigy,” “the most beautiful woman in classical music”-only made Wendy roll her eyes.
People who lacked real skill were the ones who needed to rely on hype and internet buzz.
Still, even she had to admit-Kelly definitely had what it took to get into Bell University.
If today’s bet had been made by anyone else, they probably wouldn’t stand a chance.
Noticing Wendy’s silence, Xavier glanced over. “You don’t really think Sharon’s going to lose, do you?”
Wendy blinked out of her thoughts. “Of course not. I’ll give Kelly her due-she’s talented. But her level? Compared to Sharon,
it’s not even close.”
Xavier raised a brow. “Sharon’s really that good?”
“You think I’d lie to you?”
Still looking skeptical, Xavier said, “You’re the one who told me not to step in. If she loses, don’t blame me for staying out of it.”
Wendy pressed her lips into a thin line, clearly irritated. “Why does everyone keep acting like Sharon doesn’t have what it takes?
“It’s not that I don’t think she’s good,” Xavier replied. “It’s just… even if she’s great, hasn’t she gone almost five years without seriously playing the violin?”
Wendy let out a small, awkward cough. “She’s been practicing lately… And even if she hadn’t picked up the violin in five years, she could still beat Kelly. No question.” 1
Her confidence returned.
“If Sharon were at her peak, she’d blow her off the stage.”
On stage, as Kelly finished her solo, the lights brightened beside her.
Theo appeared in the spotlight.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his hair neatly slicked back, he looked every inch the refined young gentleman. Standing beside Kelly-her in white, him in black-they made a striking duo. The coordinated outfits highlighted both of them beautifully.
Clearly, the makeup mishap earlier hadn’t shaken Kelly in the slightest.
1/2
Elsewhere in the audience, Denise watched the performance with wide eyes.
“I don’t know much about violin,” she said, “but this is amazing. No wonder she went viral-she’s the real deal.”
Even Madeline, who was notoriously hard to impress, showed a rare look of approval.
She even offered a few candid words. “Back when our family was still climbing, we needed a strong marriage alliance. That’s the only reason I turned her down. If it were today, I might’ve supported the match.”
Denise turned to look at her. “But in the end, Carter ended up with Sharon, who’s not even in the same league as Kelly. She’s nowhere near as impressive.”
At the mention of Sharon, a flash of distaste crossed Madeline’s eyes.
2/2
