Samantha sat in the audience, her fingers tapping impatiently against her knee as she listened to Victoria’s performance.

"Who knew Victoria could actually play like this?" Samantha muttered under her breath. "She’s been pretending to be average all this time. How cunning."

Beside her, Sebastian leaned in, his voice low. "She’s viral online now—massive following. Sure, Alexander’s connections help, but she’s got real skill."

Samantha was well aware. Victoria’s name flooded gossip columns daily, mostly tied to her rumored affair with Alexander. Her popularity was undeniable, her fanbase rabid.

She’d seen Victoria’s violin clips pop up while scrolling, but never bothered to watch. In Samantha’s mind, Victoria was all theatrics—tears and no talent.

Titles like "Violin Virtuoso" or "Solmaris’s Most Enchanting Musician" made her scoff. True talent didn’t need internet hype. Yet here Victoria was, proving she deserved her spot at Solmaris Conservatory.

If this bet had been with anyone else, they might’ve been in real trouble.

Sebastian nudged her. "You think Celeste might actually lose?"

Samantha snapped back to reality. "Lose? Not a chance. Victoria’s decent, I’ll admit, but she’s nowhere near Celeste’s level."

Sebastian arched a brow. "Celeste is that good?"

"Do you think I’d lie?" Samantha shot back.

Sebastian remained skeptical. "You’re the one who insisted we stay out of it. If you lose, don’t blame me."

Samantha’s lips thinned. "Why does everyone doubt Celeste?"

"It’s not about doubt. It’s just… hasn’t it been years since she played seriously?"

Samantha coughed. "She’s been practicing. Even rusty, Victoria doesn’t stand a chance."

She straightened, a smirk curling her lips. "Let’s be honest—if Celeste were at her peak, Victoria wouldn’t even make it to the second round."

As Victoria’s solo ended, the stage lights brightened, revealing Liam’s entrance. Dressed in a sleek black suit, his hair perfectly styled, he looked every inch the polished gentleman. The contrast—Victoria in white, Liam in black—made them a striking pair, their chemistry undeniable.

Victoria didn’t falter for a second.

Across the room, Charlotte watched, impressed. "I don’t know much about violin, but this is breathtaking. No wonder they’re internet sensations."

Even Margaret, usually unimpressed, gave a rare nod. "If our company needed allies like this back then, I might’ve reconsidered my stance."

Charlotte glanced at her. "Yet my brother married Amy, who can’t hold a candle to Victoria."

At the mention of Amy, Margaret’s expression darkened.