Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After
Chapter 625 The Attention of All
Christine seethed with anger, thinking, “If Rachel hadn’t just told me that Meryl’s piece would be a strong contender, I would never have risked sabotaging her cello! After all, with so many eyes on me, was I out of my mind?”
She couldn’t believe that instead of standing by her side, Rachel was trying to push her out of their group.
“Who says I didn’t lift a finger in the composition? I actually offered Rachel a ton of advice!”
The truth hit Christine like a ton of bricks. She felt utterly used by Rachel.
Yes, she was the one who had tampered with Meryl’s instrument, but she had been egged on by Rachel all along.
Filled with resentment, Christine shot a venomous glare at Rachel.
“It was her! She’s the one who pushed me to do it!”
She mused, “What a clever way to throw someone under the bus!”
But as the realization sank in, all Christine felt was regret.
She had only herself to blame for being so foolish.
Chapter 625 The Attention of All
“Christine, it was you who did it! Why are you lying? Even though we’re on the same team, this was your choice, and I had no idea! You got caught because of your own shady business, so don’t drag me into it! Supervisor, please trust me!”
Rachel’s voice quivered with distress, almost as if she were genuinely wronged.
Christine could hardly believe Rachel’s audacity.
She thought, “How could someone be so shameless?”
She stamped her foot in frustration, wishing she could wipe that smug look off Rachel’s face.
Backstage was in chaos, yet the live stream on stage continued without a hitch.
The scores had finally come in, and everyone was gearing up for the award ceremony.
Staff members urged the contestants to move to the front and prepare for the presentation.
Rachel was desperate to find out her score, but she was more worried about Christine’s reckless accusations ruining her chances.
She turned her gaze to Christine and softened her tone. “Look, if we can just get through this piece complete. If it wins, I promise to make sure you’re credited in the recording. You’ll get your share of the glory.”
Rachel’s strategy was clear: backpedaling to keep the peace.
She needed Christine to understand that making a scene now would hurt both of them.
Christine’s expression relaxed a bit at Rachel’s words.
Although she had been disqualified, the competition was streamed live, which meant the organizers wouldn’t make her disqualification public; they’d handle it quietly.
In the end, her name could still appear alongside the piece as a co–composer.
On the big screen, the scores were ready for announcement.
Meryl didn’t expect to win–after all, the competition was fierce, and she had only just started composing.
The creators of the ten pieces took the stage together, lining up as finalists.
Rachel was more nervous than ever; this was her first time competing in such a major event and her first appearance on a live stream.
She had put in the effort to create a look that conveyed innocence. Her lips were painted with a light pink shade that accentuated her youthful appearance.
This was the image Rachel had crafted for herself.
Chapter 625 The Attention of All
Rachel wanted to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry, but with so many drop–dead gorgeous women vying for attention, she needed a unique angle.
The title of “talented composer” could be her ticket in, especially with her innocent looks.
With any luck, this competition would help her rake in a wave of new fans.
Before the scores were unveiled, the details were kept under wraps, leaving everyone in suspense about who might take home the grand prize.
Rachel hoped for the special award, knowing it would be more commercially valuable than simply placing in the top three.
After all, the special award was given to the piece with the highest popularity based on audience votes.
Rachel was a bundle of nerves, glancing instinctively toward Meryl.
Since their entry numbers were so close, Meryl stood right next to her.
Meryl appeared to be lost in thought, and Rachel couldn’t help but wonder, “What’s going on? This is a live competition being broadcasted nationwide—such a holy and solemn awards ceremony! How can Meryl be so zoned out? Is she really not taking this seriously? No, that can’t be it. She must be as nervous as I am and just pretending to be nonchalant.”
Chapter 625 The Attention of All
The announcement began with third place, followed by second.
As the host called out the numbers, two pieces were awarded the honors. The winners beamed with joy, clutching their trophies, their excitement spilling over as they struggled to find the right words.
Now only the first place and special award were left to be announced.
Rachel was brimming with confidence, convinced her arrangement was superior to the second and third–place pieces.
But at that moment, she didn’t want the host to call her name--after all, first place wasn’t her goal.
She had her sights set on the special award.
Finally, under the spotlight, the host tightened her grip on the script.
“Congratulations to our first–place winner, she is…”
The crowd held its breath in anticipation.
The host smiled into the camera, momentarily setting down the script to grab a bottle of water.
She casually read an ad aloud before taking a sip, leaving the online out of sorts.
They couldn’t believe how the host was dragging it out.
The chat exploded with comments.
[Come on already! This is taking forever! My kid could be born by now!]
[Exactly! I’m going crazy here without any patience!]
Once she finished her drink, the host continued, casting a glance toward Meryl’s direction.
“The first place goes to… entry number fifty; let’s congratulate Meryl Stone!”
The applause that erupted was thunderous.
People felt it was well–deserved; after all, Meryl’s composition leaned toward the classical—a style beloved by the judges.
Previous winners had always favored that genre.
Rachel felt an unexpected sense of relief.
Even though Meryl won first place, which left a bitter taste in her mouth, it also meant one less formidable competitor for the special award.
The ceremony pressed on, with the spotlight now on the much–coveted special award.
Record labels in the audience had their eyes glued to this prize, ready to negotiate copyrights on the spot.
Rachel sat up straighter, confidence radiating from her.
She smiled sweetly at the camera, already planning her acceptance speech in her head.
The host turned her attention toward Rachel’s direction.
Chapter 625 The Attention of All
A certain excitement danced in Rachel’s chest. She mused, “This award has to be mine. Look, even the host seems to be hinting at it.”
Rachel clenched her hands together, fully aware that when her name was called, the camera would zoom in on her face.
She’d make sure to strike a flawless pose, one that would make everyone think she was utterly charming.
“And the recipient of the special award is… entry number fifty, composed by Meryl Stone!”
Rachel had already stepped forward, only to jerk back in disbelief.
Her eyes widened, the weight of the announcement crashing down on her.
She thought, “How can this be? Is the host out of her mind? Meryl? Both the first place and the special award?