"If I'd known Alexander would end up marrying Amy, that ditzy girl who barely graduated high school, I would've just let him stay with Victoria," Margaret sighed, massaging her temples.

Nathan leaned in, his smirk sharp as a blade. "Oh, this is going to be priceless. Amy's humiliation? That's the main event of the night."

Victoria needed time to prepare—fresh shower, flawless makeup. Originally, she was scheduled as the grand finale, giving her ample time to perfect her act.

But then Nathan had a stroke of genius.

If Victoria performed last, that meant Amy would have to go before her. Though Amy could never outshine Victoria, Nathan wanted her to feel the crushing weight of their difference firsthand.

He wanted Amy to be so mortified she’d never dare challenge Victoria again.

If Victoria performed first, she’d steal the spotlight entirely. By the time Amy took the stage, the audience would still be spellbound by Victoria’s brilliance, barely registering Amy’s presence.

Amy would be reduced to a mere afterthought, a shadow in Victoria’s radiance. Perfect.

When Nathan shared his plan with Victoria, she didn’t hesitate.

...

The judges in the audience were exhausted, the competition dragging on for hours. Many rubbed their temples, stifling yawns, their patience wearing thin.

Even the children in the crowd were dozing off, restless from sitting too long. Several people had already slipped out for fresh air.

Then—Victoria’s fingers danced across the strings, and the room stilled.

A cascade of mesmerizing notes filled the air, light as whispers, enchanting as a siren’s call. Her violin sang under her touch, alive with emotion.

The spotlight bathed her in gold. The violin at her shoulder gleamed like liquid sapphire, its deep blue hue reminiscent of the ocean’s depths.

It wasn’t just any violin—it was Poseidon’s Lament, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, its sound richer and more vibrant than any antique.

"Good lord," Samantha gasped. "That violin is leagues beyond the Celestial Nocturne. And Amy actually wanted that?"

Even Sebastian was momentarily entranced. He turned to Samantha, intrigued.

"The Celestial Nocturne is one of the world’s most legendary violins," he said. "Are you telling me Victoria’s unassuming instrument surpasses it?"

Samantha smirked. "Here’s the thing—the Nocturne is famous because of its history, the hands it’s passed through. Its value lies in its legacy, not just its sound."

"It belonged to Amy’s mother. Amy and I have preserved it meticulously."

"But modern luthiers? They’ve perfected the craft. Today’s violins outperform the classics in every way."

She nodded toward Victoria’s instrument. "That? That’s a custom-made masterpiece. Its sound is flawless—better than the Nocturne could ever be."

As they spoke, Victoria and Liam’s performance reached its crescendo.

Though they played together, Victoria’s brilliance eclipsed Liam entirely. His technique was impeccable, but beside her, he faded into the background.

By the final movement, the audience saw only Victoria—as if the stage held no one else.

When the last note faded, the room erupted into thunderous applause.