Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks
My Billionaire Family 170

Chapter 170

The audience was inomentarily stunned by what Cherise had pibited out. They thought. There seem not any mistakes in Shirley's seemingly flawless performance. Plus, both Liam and Tina gave perfect scores-is Arlina being agerly harsh of doubt began circulating among the

Liam, however, couldn't help but smile slightly. Arlina never disappointed him. For years, she had been his top choice as a successor, if only she were interested.

Watching the audience's reaction, Cherise turned slowly and made her way to the grand piano, sitting down with elegance From a distance, she appeared as an untouchable goddess of grace and cool sophistication. Without a word, she placed her delicate fingers on the keys. In the next moment, enchanting and resonant melodies began to emanate from the stage.

Her ten fingers danced rapidly over the keyboard, moving too quickly to discern any specific technique.

The piece began with a sorrowful and low mood, eventually rising to passionate intensity and ambition. Her interpretation flowed with dramatic highs and lows that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Many in the audience were swiftly drawn into the imagery of Arlina's performance, swept through the profound sadness followed by immense joy, capturing the tumultuous life of the protagonist perfectly.

Je was evident that though Shirley had played the same piece, their interpretations were worlds apart, leaving vastly different impressions on everyone who listened.

The audience in the front rows was still lost in the magic of Arlich's performance. A few murmured from the back, "Arlina is in a league of her own; she just crushed it." "No kidding, compared to this, what was Shirley even playing?"

I'm a music major, and after Arlina played, I clearly heard where Shirley messed up. She missed an eighth note-a rest. Arlina's performance highlighted every detail." "Exactly, even a non-pro like me could hear it. Arlina made everything so clear."

"Kneeling before greatness, she's just beyond amazing

On stage, Shirley stood there with her face turning pale, hands hanging by her sides as she clenched the fabric of her dress. She tried hard not to let her expression be affected by Cherise, but her eyes betrayed her-flashing with pure hatred. Cherise caught Shirley's resentful gaze and responded with a slight smirk.

As the piece ended, everyone except Jacob's group rose to their feet, applauding furiously..

The students from the Traditional Medicine Department hugged each other excitedly. Seeing their own professor deliver such a blow was thrilling beyond words.

After finishing her performance, Cherise stood up with serene grace and returned to her spot about a meter from Shirley. She took the mic proffered by a staff member.

Her cool voice echoed through the microphone. "Contestant Number 20 and esteemed audience, any objections?"

The room fell completely silent, reminiscent of school days when a teacher asked a student to stand up and answer a question.

Chapter 170

Cherise scammed the silent audience before focusing her gaze back on Shirley. No objections from anyone here: How alan oifestant 20"*

Cherise extended the microphone towards Shirley. Her words seemed to exert an invisible pressure that hung in the air

Shirley took the microphone, a bit embarrassed, and spoke, "No objections, thank you, Master Arlina"

Cherise chuckled softly and glanced at Liam.

Liam immediately understood and stood up. "Today's piano competition is complete with all 20 contestants having performed. Now, let's have the staff announce the top three" When Liam finished, the host continued, "Thank you to all the Iges, contestants, and our audience. I will now announce the rankings for this competition held by the Clusia Pianists' Association, "Due to a tie in scores, we have two contestants sharing second lace, so there is no third place this time.

"The two second-place winners are Contestant Number 1, Miles, and Contestant Number 19, Madeline. Let's congratulate

them

Madeline sat there stunned, never expecting she'd make it this far with the Clusia Pianists Association. Tears began to well up in her eyes.

The students from the Traditional Medicine Department erupted in cheers as if this victory was a triumph for their entire department.

Miles was also pleased with his achievement and shook hands with Madeline graciously. The two stood upright on stage. waiting for the first-place announcement.

The host then continued, "Alright, congratulations again to our second-place winners. Now, moving on to first place.

"Everyone probably knows who this is already, right? That's correct-first place goes to Contestant Number 20, Shirley,"