If Alaricka remembered the finals rules correctly, each contestant must perform original compositions. She couldn’t wait to see whose work Rose would appropriate this time. Crossing her arms, Alaricka watched Rose with an icy cold gaze. But before that, she needed to settle the matter of Sammy Durant with Roschelle.

Applause rippled through the hall as Rose rose from the piano bench. She pressed a hand lightly to her chest, bowed gracefully toward the judges’ panel, every movement exuding elegant poise. Alaricka didn’t withhold her applause.

Amid the clapping, she overheard murmurs: “That’s Roschelle Whitaker for you. After watching all performances, she’ll likely take first in semifinals–very likely.”

“Remember, she’s won numerous awards abroad. Her caliber is undeniable. Have to admire that.”

“I actually think Alaricka Huston might clinch first place this time. Her performance was equally impressive.”

The surroundings fell silent for a moment before mocking snickers erupted.

“What nonsense! How could Alaricka get first place? Are you stupid?”

“Exactly! Even if she beats us, how could she possibly beat Rose?”

“No doubt she can’t. Just wait for the rankings.”

“Enough, stop talking. Alarieka can hear us.”

“So what if she hears? Are you scared of her?”

“That Sammy Durant made such a fuss. If the organizers weren’t idiots, they’d have eliminated Alarieka early to spare us all the backlash online. We’re innocent victims!”

“True. I almost forgot about Sammy Durant. Haven’t the organizers responded?”

“Haven’t you checked your phones?”

“Sammy apologized already. Said he misunderstood Alarieka and that she earned her semifinal spot fairly.”

“What?”

“When did he apologize?”

“I missed it. Why would he apologize?”

“Ask Alaricka. No one else but her.”

Alaricka lowered her eyelids, staying silent.

Half an hour later, all contestants finished performing.

Paloma would announce the semifinal results again.

“The first–place winner of the Meintosh Piano Competition semifinals is…”

Every contestant stared at Paloma onstage and the papers in her hand, laser–focused on the rankings. Compared to others, Alarieka and Rose seemed far more relaxed. Alaricka simply watched Paloma quietly. She knew she wouldn’t get first place, but she wouldn’t be eliminated either. Rose sat upright, smiling with unshakable confidence, as if the championship trophy were already hers. Truthfully, Alarieka had a strong hunch about who won.

Paloma lifted her head, beaming warmly at Rose.

“Congratulations, Rose, for taking first place in the semifinals.”

The result didn’t surprise Alarieka. Rose’s skill was undeniable, and she’d been holding back–making her unbeatable. Others stood no chance.

As Paloma’s last word faded, sustained applause filled the auditorium. Rose rose amid the cheers, gliding onstage to accept her certificate from Paloma. This time, Alarieka didn’t withhold her applause. Rose swept the room with a radiant smile. Her gaze turned meaningful when spotting Alarieka, then melted into tenderness as it landed on Kieran up front. Even from afar, Alaricka read Rose’s lips: “Kieran, am I amazing?” The smile in Rose’s eyes deepened instantly because she saw Kieran Argent nod at her, that usually unflappable man curled his lips with a hint of pride in his eyes.

After Roschelle Whitaker left the stage, Paloma Wyatt continued announcing the remaining rankings. Alaricka Huston wasn’t in the top five, landing sixth instead. Though not a high placement, it was enough to stir discontent among some contestants. Alarieka heard murmurs of disapproval but paid them little mind. Making the finals was all that mattered.

After the event, Alarieka headed straight back to the hotel, but she stopped not at her own room, but at Roschelle Whitaker’s. Leaning against the wall beside the door, weight on her toes, she looked utterly at ease. The sight made Patrick Schultz’s eyes darken.