Chapter 435

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“And what, exactly, did contestant 24 lose points on?” Calilin pressed,
to let the matter go.
“Sorry, that information is confidential and not for public disclosure,” Zora replied curtly.
“thought this competition valued fairness, openness, and transparency. So why can’t the scoring be made public?
Caitlin’s tone was calm but firm. Zora, caught off guard, responded imitably, “Fine, you want to know? I gave him the lowest score
“He had decent fluidity, but everything else was w
s weak. That’s why he couldn’t get a high score. Satisfied?
Caitlin’s eyes glinted with a touch of ridicule. “I seriously question your standards and your understanding of music, for that matter.
Zora’s face darkened as she stood abruptly, confronting Caitlin head–on. “So now you’re saying I don’t know what I’m doing?”
Several audience members, halfway to the exits, turned around in interest, sensing drama.
“You think it’s appropriate to harass the judges just because your kid didn’t score well? Our evaluations are professional and objective if your child didn’t score high, maybe it’s time to reflect instead of blaming the judges”
Zora’s voice rang out loudly, drawing even more attention. Some in the audience sat back down, eager to see where this was going
“I’m not asking for a higher score,” Caitlin said coolly. “I’m questioning the integrity of the evaluation. If you have a problem with me, fine- come at me. But don’t take it out on a child.
“Everyone here saw and heard my son’s performance. So how do you explain his score being “that” low? Something smells off.”
Her piercing gaze bore into Zora’s. They both knew exactly what was going on.
“So now you’re accusing me of being unprofessional? Zora snapped.
“You call that professional?” Caitlin scoffed. “If you had any real skill, you wouldn’t have embarrassed yourself with that kind of score.”
Zora laughed coldly. “Acting like you’re t
the expert here? Fine then–let’s settle this right now, on this very stage. I’ll show you what real skill
looks like.”
Without waiting for a response, Zora turned to the audience and spoke into the mic, “Ladies and gentlemen, parents, teachers–this woman believes I’m unqualified to judge her child and wants to challenge me. So I accept. Let’s put our skills to the test, right here, right now.”
This showdown between a judge and a contestant’s parent had the whole venue buzzing with excitement.
Back in the VIP suite, both the Vanderbilt and Xenos families watched intently. Sebastian’s gaze narrowed–he knew exactly what Zora was up to. But challenging Caitlin? That was a mistake she was going to regret.
As everyone turned their attention to the stage, Zora glanced at Caitlin and smirked, “What’s the matter? Getting cold feet?”
“I don’t even know the meaning of fear,” Caitlin replied, her voice calm as ever. “We’ll play the most difficult piece. Show me “e thing” you’ve got.”
“You asked for it. Don’t blame me when you’re humiliated in front of everyone”
Zora brushed past Caitlin and strode to the piano, where she sat down with confidence and flair ,
The children’s competition was over , but this unexpected duel had completely reignited the crowd’s energy
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Caltiin motioned for Faith to bring Howard over. He arrived quickly, slipping his hand into hers. Caitlin velim an encouragin squeezed his tiny fingers.
They would face this together.
Zora began her performance–Liszt’s “La Campanella, a notoriously difficult piece meant to show off advanced technique and emotionat control.
Her fingers flew over the keys, each note crisp and clean. Her expression shifted with the rhythm, and her dynamic control was nearly flawless. Even the other judges nodded in approval.
Even non–musicians could appreciate the skill on display. Her performance was textbook perfect.
When she finished, the audience clapped loudly. Zora stood and gave a proud bow before turning her
“Your turn, contestant 24’s mom.”
The room hushed.
Would she really go through with it? Did she even know how to play?
But Caitlin picked up the mic and said, “I’m not playing. My son will take my place.”
rgare to C
Caitlin
The crowd erupted into whispers. Zora’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? This is a competition between adults . You’re sending a “child” to play in your place?”
“If you’re too afraid to face a child , then you’re not qualified to face me either,” Caitlin said. “I want everyone to see that my son’s performance was never the problem–your blas was
Zora scoffed. “Such arrogancel Fine. But don’t blame me when your son gets humiliated.”
Ignoring her, Caitlin led Howard to the stage and gently lifted him onto the bench. “You’ve got this, sweetheart. Show them how amazing you
are . ”
She kissed his cheek and stepped aside.
The spotlight lit up the piano.
Howard placed his small hands on the keys and began to play. The melody filled the hall it was “La Campanella“.
Gasps rippled through the audience. He was playing the “same piece” Zora had just performed.
And he was playing it well.
His tiny fingers moved with astonishing speed and precision, gliding over the keys with a light, graceful touch. Every note was clear, every phrase expressive.
A five–year–old, playing a Liszt showpiece… flawlessly?
No one could believe it. But here it was–undeniable, radiant talent.
Unknown to the public, Howard possessed a rare auditory memory. He didn’t need years of training. Once he heard a piece, he could remember it and replicate it–exactly.
Just minutes earlier, he had quietly absorbed Zora’s performance. Now he was giving it back, with heart and flair .
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Even Zora couldn’t smile anymore.
Her face fell, eyes foxed on the boy as disbeliel settled in. This wasn’t apposed to happen. That boy the one labeled antisocial and unruly– was now stealing her spotlight.
And he was doing it better.
As the final note faded into silence, Howard lifted his hands and gave a polite bow. The hall exploded in applause.
The sound was deafening.
This was the kind of applause reserved for greatness. For a child denied his due.
When it finally quieted, Caitlin turned to Zora, her voice calm but cutting
“So, what did you think of my son’s performance?”