A beam of light shone on Yvette. Closing her eyes, she ignored the surrounding noise and gently lifted her slender fingers. Everyone in the auditorium held their breath.

In the next moment, her nimble fingers danced across the piano keys. The sharp, high-spirited tune was perfectly fitting, carrying intense passion. The melody then shifted, becoming gentle, warm, peaceful, and quiet, stirring the crowd until the last note faded. Yvette was wholly absorbed, her being integrated into the piece; the piano held unique significance for her.

The audience was dumbfounded. Had they not witnessed it, they would never have believed Yvette's performance.

Yvette withdrew her hands, pursed her lips, and lifted her gaze. Stage lights reflected in her eyes, the irritation in her heart significantly lessened. Zion was utterly surprised by her technique; she hadn't opened her eyes once. No one else in Clusia could play piano with their eyes closed, let alone play so wonderfully. He considered her skills beyond comment. She’s truly a genius, he thought. I’ve spent two years searching for someone to secure Clusia's spot in the international piano competition. I believe I’ve found her.

Zion was confident Yvette's mastery had reached an extraordinary level. If she competed, she would surely surpass Mysonna's consecutive victories.

Soon, the audience snapped out of the music's spell. Excitement filled their eyes; countless bursts of applause resounded, each louder than the last. Cheers erupted, someone chanting Yvette's name, quickly joined by the rest: "Yvette! Yvette!" The chanting nearly shook the roof.

Andrew, in the audience, took a bite of his chips, thinking his worries unnecessary. He glanced at the carefree Bonnie and mocked himself: Fine. I’m the worrywart. He wondered what else Yvette could do, considering a reassessment of rural education to determine which village had produced such a genius.

Zachary watched proudly, unable to contain his excitement. Turning to Simon and Jaiden, he exclaimed, "I can't believe how well she plays!" Simon and Jaiden exchanged knowing smiles; they understood Zachary's boast, but didn't blame him. Anyone with a child raised in the countryside for over twenty years who achieved such excellence would likely be even more proud.

Simon gazed at the calm Yvette, profoundly admiring her brilliance. He knew her secret identity as Siren and wondered if there was anything she couldn't do. He eagerly anticipated the chess and calligraphy competition the next day, curious about her next accomplishment.

The contestants who had mocked Yvette earlier felt regret, realizing they shouldn't have underestimated her. Nellie, in the second row, had dug her nails into her flesh. Rebecca, unusually quiet, stared at Yvette with an unreadable expression, thinking, Maybe Grandpa was right. We shouldn’t have underestimated her. I was too careless.

Ruby sat motionless, her face ashen, her gaze locked on Yvette, malice in her eyes. How could she be so good? A country bumpkin! Even if she returned to the Chambers family, how could she have learned such a complicated piece in just a few days? I’ve practiced until my fingers blistered, staying up late, yet she played it effortlessly, beautifully. It was the same piece, and Ruby knew she had lost. She forced herself to calm down: There must be a way. I can’t lose. How can I remain student council president?

Zion waved his hand, silencing the auditorium. "Ms. Zeller, I’m afraid I can’t give you a score," he said.

Confusion erupted. Whispers filled the air: "What does Mr. Holmes mean? Does he have a bias?" "No, he invited her earlier! Don't talk nonsense."

Zion, interrupted, felt resigned. He picked up the microphone: "Everyone, I'm not saying Yvette doesn't deserve a score, but I'm not qualified to judge her at my level."

An uproar followed; everyone perceived it as high praise. Sawyer quietly lowered his head, lost in thought. Simon was taken aback; Zion wouldn't speak this way unless Yvette's skills were unmatched.

Jaiden and their group, aware of Zion's status, understood Yvette's acclaim placed her at the music industry's pinnacle. No one in Clusia could evaluate her.

Ruby's lips trembled. Yvette nodded coldly: "Oh… I’m leaving then."

Zion chuckled, fearing she would leave. He cleared his throat: "Ms. Zeller, just a moment. Since it’s a competition, there are winners and losers. So, I can only give you a ten. Do you have any problem with it?"

Nellie clenched her teeth: What problem could she have? A perfect score. She rubbed her sore back, thinking she’d wasted her time watching Yvette draw attention. Doubting the information she'd found about Yvette's rural upbringing, she discreetly slipped away.

As everyone cheered, Ruby spoke, drawing confused glances.