Chapter 198

"What gives you the right to question the originality of this composition?"

The man sneered at Evelyn Roland's seat, his lips curling in mockery. "And who do you think you are? How dare you dictate terms here?"

Evelyn remained unruffled, her fingers lightly tapping the table.

"I'm a judge."

She pulled out a gilded certificate from her bag. The words "Maestro" shimmered under the lights.

"Does this qualify me?"

The judges' panel erupted in murmurs.

No one had expected the internationally renowned pianist Maestro to appear here—let alone someone so young.

In the audience, Sebastian Valdemar's eyes flickered with realization. No wonder her performance at the gala had been so breathtaking. It was her.

Interesting.

Felix Valentine paled, sweat beading on his forehead. Maestro? Evelyn Roland was Maestro? The realization sent chills down his spine.

On stage, Fiona Valentine's legs trembled, her nails digging into her palms. She never imagined she'd run into the real composer.

The tide of public opinion shifted instantly.

"Miss Valentine, care to explain the origins of this piece?"

"I—" Fiona's voice shook. "I never claimed it was my own composition..."

She suddenly pointed at Felix. "He gave me the sheet music!"

Gasps filled the room.

Felix looked ashen, his shirt soaked through with sweat.

"Where did you get the music?" Evelyn pressed, her tone icy.

"I—I bought it from a woman surnamed Lowell..." Felix stammered, avoiding eye contact.

Lowell?

Evelyn's lips curled into a cold smile. Of course. Her dear stepsister Victoria Lowell. Back in the Lowell household, Victoria had "contributed" plenty of stolen compositions.

"Wow, this scandal just got bigger!"

"Isn't Victoria Lowell the one who—"

"I heard Evelyn used to be the Lowells' adopted daughter..."

Whispers spread through the crowd.

Evelyn's gaze darkened. Victoria's title as a piano virtuoso had been built entirely on plagiarizing her work.

Fiona's excuses sounded feeble as tears streamed down her face.

Sebastian frowned. Though he had no affection for this woman, she had been introduced by his sister.

"Miss Roland," he interjected, standing. "The competition must proceed. Since the sheet music is problematic, let's have Miss Valentine withdraw. We can address the rest afterward."