Chapter 185
“Even the top music schools abroad–if you’re interested-you could spend a year or so there and walk out with a diploma. It wouldn’t be difficult at all,” Lucy said.
“Our music association is very flexible. We won’t interfere with any of your commercial projects, endorsements, or personal matters. All we ask is that, when you have time, you drop by occasionally to teach a class or two. That would be more than enough.”
Her words landed like a clean, ringing slap across Madeline’s face. She had just ridiculed Sharon’s education-and now Lucy was practically fawning over her.
Madeline’s face turned red, then pale. She couldn’t hold back and snapped, “Is this what music associations have come to? No standards at all? You’ll grovel for anyone now-even a middle school graduate like her?”
Lucy had already heard the rumors swirling around. Right now, she was focused on talent-and couldn’t care less about Madeline’s bitterness.
“Reputation? What’s that worth next to someone like Sharon?” Lucy responded with a cool smile. “If getting her to join meant dropping to my knees, I’d do it in a heartbeat. As for you…”
She turned to Madeline, her voice still pleasant, but now with a sharp edge.
“If I’m not mistaken, aren’t you Sharon’s mother-in-law? She’s making you proud-so why do you look like someone just stepped on your foot? Oh, I see.”
Lucy’s expression shifted as if she’d just had an epiphany, but her words sliced clean and deep.
“Sharon didn’t compete under your family’s name. You’re just upset because you backed the wrong person.”
On her way here, Lucy had already pieced most of it together.
Lifting someone up while stepping on another-just human nature. But being unable to stomach someone else’s success? That was something else entirely.
Talent was talent. Skill was skill. Was it really so hard to admit that someone else might be better?
Madeline was so furious, she couldn’t get a single word out.
Sharon gave her a brief look before turning back to Lucy. “Thank you for the invitation, Lucy. I’ll think about it.”
Lucy’s face lit up. “You’re welcome anytime, Sharon. Just call ahead before you come by.”
She quickly handed her a business card.
Sharon accepted it, then turned to Wendy. “It’s getting late. Let’s head out.”
Wendy grinned. “Xavier, Matty and Sharon just took first place. You owe us a big dinner to celebrate!”
Xavier’s eyes softened with warmth. “Of course. Order anything you want.”
The group walked off, chatting and laughing together.
Nate stood frozen in place, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Sharon’s retreating figure.
He would remember this moment forever. And one day, he swore to make her pay for it all, with interest.
What neither Nate nor Sharon realized was that Nate’s livestream had already set off a wildfire online.
1/2
Cutting the stream partway through hadn’t cooled things down-if anything, Sharon’s quiet, mysterious presence only poured fuel on the flames.
Within hours, the video of Sharon playing the violin had gone viral.
People everywhere were asking the same question: Who is this stunning, insanely talented young woman?
The internet buzzed for days-but Sharon herself never appeared again.
And the more she stayed out of sight, the louder the noise grew. Her name was everywhere-forums, social media, news feeds.
Even Kelly took notice.
That same day, she got a call from one of the most respected violin masters in the field.
“Kelly, there’s a new violinist online-she’s even more incredible than you. Gorgeous, talented-and the speed at which she’s gaining fans? I’ve never seen anything like it. She’s even gone viral overseas.”
2/2
