Chapter 359 A Shocking Revelation

Ralph was momentarily stunned. Master Pierce had been his benefactor, saving him from a difficult situation without expecting anything in return.

Thus, when Master Pierce requested that Ralph take care of his granddaughter, Sierra, Ralph agreed without hesitation, particularly as Master Pierce had generously rewarded him for his help.

Having agreed, Ralph took the responsibility seriously. He thoroughly reviewed the detailed information about Sierra that Master Pierce provided.

He learned that from a young age, Sierra was committed to her piano practice, had won numerous awards, and had recently gained popularity through her online performances. Master Pierce had made sure Ralph was well-informed, leaving no detail unaddressed.

“What are you implying?” Ralph asked, his voice edged with coolness.

Maggie suggested with a smile, “Perhaps you should ask Sierra herself, Mr. Johnson. Are those performances really hers?”

The camera quickly panned to Sierra.

Sierra’s cheeks colored. While she had previously acknowledged the performances, it had not been in such a public forum. Now, those videos had brought her a significant following.

Denying them at this point would certainly provoke a public outcry. However, Maggie’s question seemed to hint at something deeper. Had she detected something amiss? Sierra felt increasingly nervous, her hold on the microphone tightening. Standing on the stage, the intense scrutiny of the audience made her feel both exposed and anxious.

“Y–yes, that was me,” Sierra responded hesitantly, striving to maintain her composure. However, she was plagued by a nagging unease, unsure of its source but feeling it was somehow linked to Maggie.

After receiving Sierra’s confirmation, Ralph turned back to Maggie and asked, “Do you have anything further to add, Maggie?”

“Actually, I do. I have a few additional versions of the video,” Maggie replied. “Could the host please play them?”

“Of course,” the host responded.

Then, the large screen began displaying the extra videos.

With a serious expression, Maggie added, “The first video was recorded by my boyfriend. To my knowledge, there are only three pianos like that in the world. So, I’m curious, Sierra, where did you record it?”

The audience observed the viral piano performance projected on the large screen. The woman in the video seemed to sense the attention, glancing up and offering a gentle smile at the camera before resuming her music. As the camera panned, her profile came into view unmistakably—Maggie.

The second video featured Maggie and Mia performing in a dimly lit bar. At first, the camera was distant, casting them as mere silhouettes on stage. As the video progressed, Mia approached the camera and stood on a table, revealing Maggie more distinctly.

Aside from those, there was a third video.

As the trio of videos concluded, Sierra’s complexion turned pale, her gaze fixed fiercely on Maggie as if she could pierce through her with her eyes.

The audience erupted into a cacophony of discussion as the videos ended.

“Oh my, those videos Sierra claimed were hers were actually someone else’s. How audacious of her!”

“Do the Camerons believe adopting Maggie would keep the truth hidden? Clearly, Maggie has been wronged!”

“Sierra’s actions are disgraceful—plagiarizing and falsely attributing someone else’s work as her own. I used to support her and had always defended her!”

“This is unacceptable. I even saved those music pieces and reached out to Sierra for the full versions, but she ignored me.”

“With Sierra’s unethical conduct, she should be disqualified from the competition so she could no longer deceive everyone!”

“I never would have imagined that Maggie was the one playing the music. She’s truly a talented discovery!”

The audience discussions grew louder and more chaotic, even causing discomfort among the leaders and senior members of the First Institute. Despite being a business school student, Sierra represented their institution, and her current actions were deeply embarrassing.

Sierra’s eyes were red with fury, her voice growing sharper, “How dare you lay claim to that video! You might even have stolen my music!”

Ignoring her, Maggie turned to Ralph and inquired, “Mr. Johnson, do you have any further questions?”

Ralph’s expression soured, clearly caught off guard by the revelation that the performers of those pieces were someone other than Sierra. However, he felt obligated to come to her defense.

“Why didn’t you tell us earlier if you were the one performing? Now that Sierra’s spilled the beans, your sudden confession seems kind of fishy.”

Ralph’s words stirred the audience.

“Why’s the judge laying it on like that? Feels like he’s questioning everything Maggie’s saying.”

“Right? Even with solid proof, he’s still got her back?”

Master Pierce, sitting among the audience, looked disappointed and confused, his expression getting worse by the second. If only Sierra had opened up to him, he could have sorted out a lot of the issues and made arrangements for her. Too bad she never trusted him. Not only did she go solo and pull the wool over his eyes, but she might have even dragged others into the mess this time.

Ralph added, “Even if you were the one performing in the video, it doesn’t necessarily mean you composed or own those pieces.”

The discontent among the audience intensified, prompting the host to step in just as a young man helped an elderly gentleman with gray hair onto the stage.

“What other proof do you need? Should I be the witness?”

Sabastian assisted Kevin onto the stage, eliciting surprise from the judging panel as they stood up.

As the audience below chattered in confusion, a few recognized the elderly man and enlightened those nearby, saying, “He’s a renowned piano virtuoso, ranked in the top ten globally, and the sole Celestian pianist.”

“Mr. Dunphy! Why are you here?”

The host stepped aside, passing the microphone to the elderly gentleman.

Ralph was briefly taken aback upon seeing Kevin, his assertive stance easing as he avoided meeting the old man’s eyes.

“If I hadn’t intervened, some might view this competition as an opportunity for personal advantage!”