Chapter 1333:

Her experiences at the Swan Cup had tempered her, teaching her the art of poise under pressure. She locked eyes with Celeste, unshaken. As the final note resonated, the audience’s applause swelled throughout the hall. With a graceful curtsy, Elyse acknowledged the crowd, her confidence unwavering. The host lavished praise upon her before she retreated backstage, making way for Stuart’s moment in the spotlight.

Stuart approached with a veneer of assurance. Unacquainted with the trials of the Swan Cup, he underestimated Elyse’s seasoned finesse, dismissing her display as mundane, convinced his would surpass hers. Yet, as the last echoes of his performance faded, the sparse applause left him bewildered and disheartened. The host beckoned Elyse back to the stage to receive the judges’ verdicts. After the initial judges shared their thoughts, it was Celeste’s turn. She grasped the microphone, her voice stern, addressing Stuart. “Did you perceive the audience’s reaction following each performance?”

Stuart, momentarily taken aback, admitted, “I did.” Celeste’s critique was scathing. “Your basic skills are profoundly deficient. I’ve seldom seen such a lack of foundational mastery. Elyse’s command of the violin far exceeds yours. To seriously consider a future in violin, you must dedicate far more time to refining your technique.”

Stuart’s annoyance was palpable. This marked the second instance of Celeste publicly critiquing his abilities, but now she had crossed a line by questioning his fundamental skills. “Humoresque” was his signature piece. Overwhelmed by frustration, Stuart seized the microphone and countered forcefully, “I believe my performance was exceptional. This piece is my specialty. There’s no way I could be outperformed by Elyse.”

. . . Message from Noah: A new week is here! Embrace the fresh start and enjoy the chapters. God bless you, and Noah is sending you all the best. (ɔO‿=)ɔ ♥