Every few minutes, Brenda would ask if I was thirsty or if I wanted to eat something, but Sharon politely turned down each offer on my


    behalf.


    Since my performance was scheduledst, it wasn''t until around 9:00 pm that someone finally came to let me know it was time to get ready. By then, I was already feeling a bit sleepy-between being used to going to bed early and not sleeping well over the past couple of days, I was struggling to stay alert.


    Right before I left, I thought I caught a glimpse of Leah again, slipping into the dressing room. Strange.


    I didn''t think much of it. Taking a deep breath, I made my way onto the stage.


    The moment the audience saw me, a buzz of conversation filled the room.


    "Oh wow, it''s Evelyn Wiley. Does she even know how to y the piano? And she''s the grand finale?"


    "She''s so pretty, like one of those rich girls from a wealthy family."


    "Yeah, but just because she looks the part doesn''t mean she can y. I bet she''s not that good."


    The chatter and noise made it clear that it wasn''t the best environment for a performance. Still, I calmly took my seat, smoothed the creases in my dress, and gently ced my hands on the piano. After a quick nce at the crowd, my fingers pressed the keys. The moment the first notes of "For Elise" filled the air, the audience fell silent.


    It wasn''t a particrly difficult piece in terms of technique, but what it required was emotion. That was where most people failed.


    The crowd had seen Leah perform before, but her ying was all technique-there was no feeling in it.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    As the music yed, I noticed Leah''s expression growing more and more sour, though she kept a smile stered on her face. She couldn''t hide her frustration.


    When I finished, the venue was quiet for a second, as if everyone was absorbing what they''d just heard. Then, all at once, the apuse erupted, louder than I expected.


    "I can''t believe it. Evelyn is actually an amazing pianist!"


    "I knew it! She''s from the Wiley family, after all. Of course, she''s learned these things."


    "I''m starting to like her now. Her dress is stunning too. She''s the perfect image of a real-life princess!"


    Thepliments rolled in, but Leah had heard enough. She let out a cold snort and stormed backstage.


    After the performance, I returned to the dressing room to change. I had just finished putting on my regr clothes when there was a knock at the door.


    "Evelyn, are you inside? Please open the door," a voice called out. It was one of the professors.


    I narrowed my eyes slightly, immediately thinking back to Leah''s earlier appearance near the dressing room. It seemed like she had something nned.


    After finishing up, I opened the door to find several people standing there-including Leah.


    "My bracelet went missing, and the only person I''vee in contact with is Evelyn. She must have stolen it," Leah used.


    A bracelet, huh? So that was the story she was going with. I had a feeling it was either in my bag or nted somewhere nearby. Leah really was persistent in her schemes.


    The professor''s expression was serious as he looked at me. "Evelyn, Leah''s bracelet has gone missing, and we need your cooperation. Could you please bring your bag over so we can check it?"


    "Yes, please do," Leah chimed in, nodding earnestly. "I''m sure it''s in her bag. Even though Evelyn and I don''t get along, this bracelet is really valuable, and I''d hate to lose it."


    She rubbed her nose as if trying to act remorseful. "It''s a Cartier bracelet-my mom gave it to me on her birthday. I hardly ever wear it because it''s so special."