In the afternoon, Ruby arrived early at the auditorium with the student council to begin preparations for the Art Festival's opening ceremony, which would begin with her performance of Bryan's Second Life Concerto, a world-famous piece. She had practiced relentlessly, hoping to make a strong impression and win the top prize in the piano event, as she knew her chances were slim in other categories.
Argrol University's Art Festival had invited Seacrity's upper class and the media, and featured a mystery guest. Unknown to others, Ruby, as student council president, had already invited—and twice secured—the attendance of Zion Holmes, a renowned young pianist from Clusia. She harbored a long-held dream of joining his studio, a coveted opportunity for any aspiring pianist in Clusia. Therefore, this performance was crucial for her future.
Bonnie, the physics department's representative, accompanied Yvette and Ryan, volunteering for the opening ceremony despite not competing. However, suspecting Ruby's motives, she remained close to Yvette, wary of Ruby's potential manipulations.
The auditorium was already bustling with participants and volunteers. As Ruby directed the piano's placement, she saw Yvette arrive and noticed Ryan beside her, causing her some confusion. Ryan's introverted nature and lack of close relationships made his presence surprising. "Why did he come with Yvette? Is he also... bewitched by her?" she wondered.
Putting on a practiced display of humility, Ruby greeted Yvette and Ryan effusively, a stark contrast to her recent behavior. Yvette remained aloof, while Ryan, with a simple nod, quickly averted his gaze; his reaction was unsurprising to him, having witnessed countless displays of calculated deference directed towards the Lewis family.
Bonnie, simmering with resentment at what she perceived as Ruby's manipulative behavior, was about to confront her when Ruby interrupted, quickly assigning seating: the last row for Yvette and Bonnie, and the front row for Ryan. Ryan, however, politely declined the front row seat and requested to sit with Yvette and Bonnie.
Yvette’s seemingly inattentive response to Ruby's seating arrangements, revealed only by a simple question to Bonnie, silenced the room. Ruby’s carefully constructed facade crumbled; her forced smile vanished, replaced by ashen cheeks. Bonnie's laughter, though intended genuinely, was misinterpreted as mockery by a humiliated Ruby, igniting her resentment towards Yvette and fueling her anger. Even Ryan’s quiet chuckle only deepened her animosity.
Controlling her anger, Ruby regained her composure, her pride momentarily eclipsing her resentment. The others remained silent, well aware of Ruby's temper and authority. When the three took their seats, Ryan deliberately distanced himself from Yvette and Bonnie.
Unnoticed, Yvette discreetly hacked a website, quickly accessing and retrieving the information she needed before logging out without a trace. At Murphia's Department of Homeland Security, a brief, unsuccessful intrusion was reported, dismissed as inconsequential by Secretary Manuel Cruz, who remained confident in the invincibility of their national security system. Unbeknownst to them, Yvette had succeeded in obtaining her target information.
Bonnie, exhausted, fell asleep on Yvette's shoulder, only awakening to the sound of Ruby's piano soundcheck an hour later. Yvette, her expression both calm and cool, reassured Bonnie. Ruby was at the piano, ready to begin.