Chapter 356: Sheet Music

Danielle, less boastful than Sierra, simply remarked, “You have immense potential. I believe very few past contestants can rival your skill. Your performance was outstanding.”

As she concluded her statement, Olivia’s phone rang.

“Sierra, your dad and granddad are over the moon about your performance. They’re rallying support for you back home, so no need to fret,” Olivia’s voice crackled through the phone, brimming with excitement and a touch of triumph.

Maggie hung her head low, hiding her icy gaze. Rallying support?

Hah. More like buying votes.

After that performance, Ronald is going to seize the hype and prop her up as some sort of genius pianist. But with the Burtons inching closer to them, he have to come up with a better plan for this.

In no time, Grace stepped onto the stage. Though her performance didn’t match Sierra’s brilliance, Maggie sensed Grace’s authenticity.

When the competition demanded her to compose, Grace earnestly endeavored to craft something original.

Maggie had checked beforehand. The competition rules explicitly stated that contestants were allowed to seek advice from master judges or other composers, but they had to be fully engaged in the composition process.

In essence, it served as a form of experimentation and motivation. For many students lacking professional training, playing the piano and composing were entirely distinct concepts.

In theory, Maggie was expected to seek the judges’ advice the most among all contestants. However, she had no plans to do so.

Since her rebirth, she had delved deep into this musical piece, spending extensive time composing it. She had played it for Mr. Dunphy multiple times, made numerous adjustments, and ultimately arrived at the final version.

Sierra’s performance was decent, but not much more than that. She had skills. She played fluidly. There was nothing to comment on that.

However, she had not experienced the tragedy that befell Maggie. She’d never been cornered, nor did she ever get a second chance in life. The gap between their understanding of the piece was impossible to bridge.

If Maggie was right, this competition would serve as the point where she had a falling out with the Camerons.

Unfortunately, even with time passing, the mystery behind Lucas’s parents’ demise lingered unsolved. Yet, clues hinted at the Adams’ deep-seated animosity toward the Camerons.

Throughout this time, she asked Lucas to track Vanessa’s movements, noting her frequent visits to the Adams’ residence, where she seemed to shuttle between Joseph and the Adams’ place daily. Maggie sensed her heightened vigilance.

Thirty minutes later, it was finally Maggie’s moment to take the stage.

As she faced the audience, the host greeted her with a smile, posing the question, “Last time, Maggie wowed us with her musical prowess. Can we expect another original composition from her today?”

“In fact, I tweaked my composition a bit before polishing it up a few days back,” Maggie responded with a gentle tone.

Meanwhile, Nathael sat among the crowd, his attention fully captivated by the woman onstage, his eyes reflecting both tenderness and concentration.

The host, intrigued, posed another question. “The piece you’ve chosen, ‘Blossom’—does it hold any special significance?”

As Maggie pondered her response, her gaze caught sight of her brother Ericko and her parents seated in the front rows. They seemed hesitant to attract attention, refraining from overtly cheering for her.

At the back, Mia energetically waved a large cheering sign, brimming with excitement. Maggie couldn’t help but feel that, given Mia’s character, she wouldn’t typically choose the back row, preferring to stand firmly by her convictions.

True to her expectations, when she cast a glance to her side, Joyce appeared wearing a duckbill cap and relaxed attire. Across from her, Leo and Lucas were also there, offering their enthusiastic support.

Maggie’s expression softened as she spoke with warmth, “It’s not overly profound, just a few thoughts. I think life throws various challenges at us—betrayal, abandonment, pain, moments of despair. But amidst it all, I hope we can find the light.”

“Remember the warmth and the memories you hold dear. Even in the emptiest of moments, believe that you deserve the best life offers. Keep striving to flourish, even when you feel on the brink. Go and soak in the sunlight.”

As Maggie’s words trailed off, a surge of applause burst forth from the audience below, igniting the host’s emotions. “Maggie’s words are genuinely inspiring. I’m sure many, myself included, resonate with them. Now, let’s immerse ourselves in the piece, ‘Blossom’!”

As Maggie settled at the piano, the stage plunged into darkness.

In a heartbeat, the hall resonated with the piano’s harmonious melody.

At first, neither the audience nor the online viewers sensed anything unusual. Yet, as the music unfolded, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“Wait, is this…?” Didn’t we just hear this?

“Isn’t this melody similar to Sierra’s earlier piece? What’s happening?”

“But Sierra’s piece was titled ‘Dream Waltz,’ right?”

The discussion rippled through the crowd.

The audience stirred briefly, but Maggie stayed calm, as though she’d anticipated this and was resolved to carry on with her performance.

The Internet had erupted into all kinds of discussion.

“What’s the deal with the Camerons? They’re letting their girls play the same piece? Isn’t that against the rules?”

“I know they’re playing the same piece, but for some reason, this one sounds different.”

“If you guys can recognize it’s the same piece, you think Maggie can’t? There’s more behind this performance.”

“I get the feeling that Maggie should be the one to play the piece. I wonder who’s the copycat.”

The Camerons were stunned by the similarity of the performance as well.

Olivia was the one to explode first. “What is up with her? Why is she playing Sierra’s piece? The public isn’t going to be happy with this!”

A frown creased Ronald’s forehead. “Did Sierra make that piece herself?”

A momentary silence held Olivia. She said, “Yes, of course.”

A pause later, she seemed uncertain. Quietly, she added, “Or that’s what she said…”

“It doesn’t matter. Point is, Maggie didn’t read the room. She should’ve changed the piece. They can’t both play the same piece. It’s not right,” interrupted Mary.

After Nathael’s castigation, Mary stayed in her lane for a while. Now that Maggie wasn’t around, she couldn’t resist to trip her up.

Ronald was stormy. He couldn’t understand why the year wasn’t going well at all. It was misfortune after misfortune for him.