Chapter 237

The notification chime echoed through the hall, loud and clear. Echo was really here.
In the blink of an eye, everyone’s attention snapped to Charlotte. She sat back in her chair, her expression unreadable, elegant brows lowered, long legs crossed with effortless grace. She spun a white phone between her fingers, holding it so the microphone picked up every sound. That chime… it had come from her phone.
Was this teenage girl actually Echo? If not, why did she get the email meant only for the famous composer?
Olivia’s face went pale. She stared at Charlotte with a cold, mocking smile. Of everyone here, she knew Charlotte best. There was no way this girl could be Echo. Anyone could be, except Charlotte. So what if she knew about the score, or that it belonged to Olivia’s mother? The original draft was with her, locked away. There was no proof, no witness left.
Just as Olivia tried to convince herself, Laura’s voice trembled through the tense silence. “You… you’re Echo?”
Laura stood right next to Charlotte. She had seen the phone light up, watched her own email pop up and get opened. She’d been using that address to talk to Echo for years. It had never failed. But now, the person behind it turned out to be this young girl.
Charlotte looked up, a hint of a smile playing across her face. She spoke calmly, not in any rush. “The score you sent me has quite a few issues. We can go over them after the competition.”
She even knew about the score? Laura stared in shock, wide-eyed, finally realizing the truth. This was her teacher. Her Echo.
“Echo!”
The word slipped out before she could stop herself. Laura felt her face flush with embarrassment as she stepped back and bowed deeply. “I had no idea it was you. You were right here beside me… and I even She remembered criticizing Echo’s rhythm, and trying to recruit her as a student. Now she just wanted to slap herself. Echo? The whole crowd froze, staring at Laura and Charlotte in disbelief. “This girl is Echo?”
“It has to be. Why else would the president of the Global Piano Association show her that much respect?”
“I always thought Echo was some eighty-year-old guy. Turns out she’s not even twenty. Unbelievable.”
“If she’s Echo, it all makes sense. Of course she knows where the music came from.”
Once Laura admitted the truth, the other judges couldn’t hold back. They rushed over, eager and excited.
“Echo, your Concerto in D Major’ is my absolute favorite. It’s so difficult
though
there are a few sections
just can’t get right. Would you be willing to give me some tips?”
“Echo, my name’s Raymond. I’m also with the Piano Association. I’ve heard so much about you, but neve had the chance to meet you until now. It’s such an honor.”
“Echo, I’m
They crowded around Charlotte, introducing themselves one after another, excitement buzzing in the air. There was no doubt left. Charlotte was Echo.
Voices swirled all around her,
growing louder and louder. Charlotte’s brow creased. She tapped her fingers against the table,
the sharp sound slicing through the chatter, making it clear she was ready for some quiet.