Chapter 215: A Trap

After Maggie's performance, three contestants remained in her group. Sierra watched them impassively, though privately she knew they couldn't compare to Maggie. This wasn't obvious to everyone, but Sierra knew the truth. During their piano lessons together, Maggie's exceptional talent had far surpassed Sierra's. A natural prodigy, Maggie relentlessly pursued improvement. This frustrated Sierra, leading her to scheme to get Maggie expelled, falsely claiming the teacher couldn't handle her. Even though her father dismissed Maggie's talent, Sierra knew better.

Years later, Sierra was surprised by Maggie's flawless performance. She wondered who had defied the Camerons by secretly tutoring Maggie.

"Why does she seem so unaffected? What's going on?"

During the competition, Sierra found no flaws in Maggie's appearance. In fact, Maggie looked stunning under the high-definition cameras.

"Did you follow my instructions and switch the items?" Sierra asked the makeup artist coldly.

"I did, I swear!" The makeup artist quickly produced the switched foundation bottle.

However, Sierra refused further explanation. Maggie's captivating presence consumed her. Maggie's attire and makeup were perfect, concealing any redness or swelling. Sierra felt intensely frustrated; this "wild child" had become increasingly difficult to manage.

What went wrong? It was as if Maggie had eyes in the back of her head!

Before she could ponder further, Sierra's phone rang. It was Olivia.

"Sierra, the jewelry you chose won't arrive on time. I've sent a replacement, but please use one of the two sets we already sent if it doesn't arrive before you go onstage."

Olivia was distraught, never expecting Sierra's last-minute change of heart; Sierra refused both sets of Luster jewelry. Even if Luster could provide a replacement, delivery before the performance would be impossible.

Chapter 215: A Trap (continued)

"What should I do? Is Luster running out of resources? If so, why even compete?"

Sierra's words nearly overwhelmed Olivia.

"Sierra, listen. You can have any jewelry later, but please help the family now. Your father invested heavily. If you don't wear the jewelry, even he will lose his temper."

Sierra hung up, coldly. She glared at the three sets of jewelry on her desk—two from Luster, one intended for Maggie.

Why can Maggie refuse them, but not me? If she can, why can't I?

The Luster sets were lovely, but after seeing Nathael's gift to Maggie, Sierra couldn't appreciate them. Coupled with Mia's mockery, Sierra couldn't accept them. She wouldn't be seen as inferior to Maggie!

The makeup artist, perhaps fearing repercussions from the foundation switch, cautiously suggested, "Ms. Cameron, they're really beautiful. Maybe you…"

"Mind your own business!"

The makeup artist wisely remained silent. She'd be paid regardless.

Twenty minutes later, Sierra, in a stunning gown but bare-necked, headed for the stage.

A breathless staff member stopped her: "Ms. Sierra Cameron? Here's your jewelry."

Sierra snatched the package and opened it. A luxurious yellow sapphire necklace—a starburst pattern, each gem over ten carats, and a large teardrop diamond—dazzled her.

"Help me put this on." Hearing her name called, Sierra asked the makeup artist for assistance. She donned the earrings, bracelet, and necklace, then strode proudly onto the stage. Maggie, in a jacket, waited backstage with Mia for the judges' comments and vote tally.

Chapter 215: A Trap (continued)

After a phone call, Mia smiled, found the live broadcast, and showed it to Maggie. On screen, a girl in a pink gown, resembling a fairy, sat at the piano. Her luxurious yellow sapphire necklace sparkled under the stage lights.

However, the necklace, while beautiful, overwhelmed Sierra's petite frame. It was too lavish.

Maggie arched an eyebrow, pleased. She and Mia, tall, curvaceous, and lovers of luxury, had chosen the necklace. Importantly, it was from the Adams.

"Ronald will be furious," Maggie said coolly.

Mia replied nonchalantly, "I think he'll explode."

They exchanged knowing smiles. Maggie aimed to bankrupt Luster, ruining Ronald's investment and ending his jewelry ambitions. In her past life, the Camerons' most successful ventures were jewelry and related construction industries. Maggie then focused on Sierra's performance.

Sierra's selection was ethereal, her performance commendable after years of practice. However, it was merely commendable.