Chapter 208: Apologies

Even Grace found Sierra's attitude and harsh words excessive. She was about to interject when Maggie said, "Don't sweat it. No one can deny your popularity; you'll only have more haters."

Sierra slammed her hand on the table and stood abruptly. As the makeup artist applied her eyebrows, Sierra suddenly jerked her hand, creating a long, chestnut-colored line across her face. It looked rather funny.

Jack and Grace stifled laughter, avoiding eye contact. But the makeup artist's shaking shoulders betrayed them.

When Sierra saw her reflection, she was livid. Without hesitation, she grabbed a compact powder and threw it at Maggie. Maggie dodged, but the compact flew open, scattering powder everywhere.

Danielle, witnessing this, exclaimed, "Sierra, what's wrong with you? Do you realize where we are? This isn't a talent show! Cut it out, or get out of here!" Usually easygoing, Danielle was visibly flushed with anger.

Sierra, afraid of losing her spot, remained silent. Although Sierra was willing to let it go, Maggie was not. Her clothes were now soiled, ruining her mood.

Danielle's expression softened only slightly when Sierra sat down. But, unexpectedly, Maggie grabbed a bottle of foundation, unscrewed the lid, and poured it over Sierra's head.

"Ahh!"

Grace and Jack were stunned by Maggie's actions. Sierra screamed, leaping from her chair. The foundation trickled down her hair, creating a messy patch. Some dripped onto her forehead.

"Maggie, how dare you!" Sierra's face burned with anger and embarrassment. If not for the makeup artist and photographer restraining her, she might have attacked Maggie.

Maggie calmly stepped back, looking puzzled.

Chapter 208: Apologies

Faced with the stares of students from other schools, Maggie remained remarkably calm. Sierra was furious. She couldn't believe Maggie's audacity.

Danielle took a few seconds to regain her composure, barely suppressing her anger. Sierra was one thing, but Maggie, a top student, pulling such a stunt was unbelievable.

Catching Danielle's gaze, Maggie quickly straightened up and meekly apologized, "I'm sorry, Ms. Joyton. My bad."

Danielle was speechless for a moment.

What could she do? What could she possibly do?!

Normally well-behaved and responsible, Maggie now lowered her head, earnestly apologizing.

Danielle sighed, her face stiff, "Don't do it again."

"Yes, Ma'am," Maggie responded obediently.

She was lucky, unlike Sierra.

While Maggie apologized, Sierra was still being held back, her face contorted in anger. Her unfinished makeup and hairstyle looked even worse.

Students from other schools were taking out their phones to record, escalating the situation.

"Sierra! Are you finished with the drama?" Danielle scolded. "If you don't want to be replaced, get back to your seat and fix yourself up."

Sierra trembled with anger, glaring at Danielle resentfully. Danielle's expression soured. She suspected Sierra had instigated the whole thing. Knowing they were from the same family, she considered that Maggie might have endured past bullying, explaining her actions.

Sierra never expected Maggie to retaliate, yet she was the one scolded. Danielle, however, was from a prominent family, making her someone not to be trifled with.

Seeing Sierra's anger, Maggie smirked and left with Grace and Jack.

Chapter 208: Apologies

Back in the audience, the competition had resumed with the second group performing. The results would be announced thirty minutes later, after the second group finished.

Advancement was based on three factors: judges' scores, on-site voting, and off-site voting. The highest-scoring contestants advanced directly. Others' rankings were determined by combined votes. Each judge also held a red ticket equivalent to 1,000 votes (both on-site and off-site) in the first round.

Maggie focused on the competition.

Near six o'clock, as the last group performed, Sierra arrived, fashionably late. She wore a modified school uniform. Her hair was freshly washed and styled in large curls. Her makeup, although heavy, added an air of arrogance and sophistication, making her look like a pampered heiress.

Sierra's arrival drew attention. Rumors about the piano prodigy fueled the curiosity.

Ignoring the attention, Sierra approached Maggie, glancing at Grace and smiling. "Grace, mind if I swap seats?"

Grace, surprised, glanced at Maggie. Maggie nodded slightly. Grace sighed in relief and offered her seat.

Sierra crossed her arms, staring coldly at the pianist. "Maggie, you're quite the actress. All these years, you pretended to be obedient, but you're a deceitful backstabber!"

Maggie smiled softly, eyes on the stage. "Feeling confident? Those awards were bought. Won't you tremble up there?"

"Maggie, stop with the provocations! It won't affect me!" Sierra exclaimed, irritated.

Repeatedly outsmarted, Sierra was speechless. She sought ways to retaliate, but couldn't find any leverage against Maggie. However, she wasn't worried; a nationwide competition offered plenty of opportunities.

"How long has it been since you last"

The passage ends abruptly. I have corrected grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors throughout. Some phrasing was also improved for clarity and flow.