Bonnie held up the business card, glancing at the gold-embossed letters. Ryan, having overheard their conversation, saw the name—Zion Holmes—and phone number from across the room. Stunned, he stood there.

Turning, Bonnie saw Ryan's surprised expression. Puzzled, she examined the card. Aside from the elegant lettering of "Zion Holmes," she saw nothing remarkable.

Seeing Ryan's daze, Bonnie waved the card before his face. "Ryan, what's wrong? It's just a business card." She turned to Yvette. "Yve, has he lost his mind?"

Yvette, somewhat distracted, sat rigidly in her chair, her knuckles white as she gripped the armrests.

Ryan snapped back to reality, noticing Yvette's impassivity and Bonnie's curious gaze. He murmured, "Do you know what that card means?"

Bonnie shook her head, pointing at the card. "What? Isn't it just a business card?"

Ryan smiled wryly. "Bonnie, this is every piano student's dream in Clusia. That's Zion Holmes, Clusia's renowned young pianist. He's the only one to have performed at Mysonna Concert Hall and an honorary member of the Piano Association. His studio is extremely selective; everyone desperately tries to get in."

Bonnie, unfamiliar with the piano world, had never heard of Zion. "Wow, Yve! He sounds incredibly famous," she exclaimed.

Ryan wondered if Yvette would remain composed knowing Zion's identity. Hearing this, Yvette paused expressionlessly, as cold and composed as ever—unfazed.

Bonnie suddenly slapped her thigh, wincing in pain before chuckling sheepishly. "Since it's so important...," she pointed at Ruby, still playing energetically on stage, "...would she like it?"

Ryan nodded blankly. "As far as I know, Ruby tried to join Zion's studio but was rejected. She'd want this badly."

Bonnie glanced slyly at Yvette, eyes half-closed in her chair. "Hey, Yve, should we tease arrogant Ruby with this?"

"That's lame," Yvette replied.

Bonnie agreed, slipping the card into her pocket, intending to give it to Yvette later. Knowing Yvette, however, she suspected the card would end up lost like countless colorful love letters—forgotten.

Ryan was speechless. He thought, These two are… unique. Few in Clusia would dismiss Zion's card so casually.

Bonnie, seemingly unaffected by Yvette's influence, thought, Who's more mysterious than Top Dog? This pianist doesn't compare. Stay calm.

When Ruby finished her performance, the applause was thunderous—a mixture of admiration for her skill and her presidential status.

Voices praised her performance: "Ruby plays beautifully. Mesmerizing!" "Absolutely! She's incredibly skilled." "I heard she passed the Level 8 piano exam. She'll win the competition." "Definitely! The other contestants looked discouraged." "Ruby's intimidating. Even in rehearsal, everyone's intimidated. Who can compete with her?"

Lost in the accolades, Ruby relished the anticipated trophy, further fueled by Yvette's absence, which she interpreted as defeat. Yet, a familiar face eluded her memory.

Zion returned to his hotel room, where a knock came at the door. It was Sawyer Lane, a student from Betrico, showing potential but lacking humility and refinement. Zion hoped this visit to Argrol University would help Sawyer interact with other students. Music wasn't a solitary pursuit. He sighed, thinking of Yvette's declined invitation; her guidance would have greatly benefited Sawyer.

Sawyer, a tall, unremarkable young man save for his ambitious eyes, believed himself exceptionally talented, his path to Zion's studio remarkably smooth. He aspired to surpass Zion, to become even more renowned.

"Mr. Holmes, I came earlier, but you weren't here. The Argrol University invitation arrived," Sawyer announced.

Zion took a sip of water. "Leave it. Come with me in a few days. Argrol is Seacrity's best university, full of talented students. A great chance to exchange ideas."

Sawyer seemed dismissive, regarding the local university as insignificant compared to Betrico's elite talent pool. Still, he agreed politely. "Okay, Mr. Holmes."

Despite his lowered gaze, Zion observed Sawyer. Years of experience allowed him to see through Sawyer's ambition and perfunctory tone. He wouldn't have accepted Sawyer based solely on talent. For a pianist, simplicity was paramount. Excessive ambition destroyed many careers. He'd give Sawyer a chance, but ultimately, Sawyer's growth depended on himself. Sawyer remained unaware of the existence of those superior to him, much like the brilliant Yvette he'd met that day.