Chapter 247

Alaricka coolly averted her eyes.

The final round had half as many contestants as the semifinals. Alarieka waited two to three hours before her turn came.

She distinctly sensed the auditorium falling utterly silent when she stepped onstage–so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

She even caught scattered whispers of disdain:

“How did she make it here?”

“Alarieka Huston again? I’m so done…”

Alarieka knew most spectators were Rose’s fans. Having clashed publicly with Roschelle Whitaker multiple times online, she expected no goodwill from that quarter.

Her expression remained neutral. After bowing to the judges, she took her seat at the piano.

Alarieka glanced toward the backstage crew, receiving a confirming OK gesture.

A large screen behind the stage could display contestant-curated videos or visual effects related to their performance pieces.

Most finalists avoided using it, believing it might divert the judges‘ attention from their playing and jeopardize scores.

Stealing focus… scores… none of that mattered to Alarieka. Not even the final ranking. Her sole purpose was ensuring Lindsey Weaver’s name would be known to the world.

Her video would play after the performance.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her wrists. The piano’s first note rang out–crisp and resonant.

Lifting her eyes, she spotted Rose and Kieran seated centrally in the audience.

Alarieka’s gaze paused briefly, then curved into a smile.

They came. That’s all that mattered.

For this finale, she unleashed herself completely. No longer restraining her skill, she poured every ounce of her soul into the keys. As the piano’s intensity crescendoed, she felt her blood ignite. A tingling current surged from her tailbone to her crown, radiating heat through her entire being. Her very fingertips trembled with exhilaration.

Seconds later, the melody took shape–a familiar tune. Judges, contestants, and audience members below the stage subtly shifted expressions.

Other contestants exchanged uneasy glances, cautiously observing Roschelle Whitaker’s reaction.

Seated center-stage in the front row, Roschelle offered only the back of her head to their view.

Contestants‘ chosen pieces remained undisclosed before performances; this marked their first awareness of Alarieka Huston’s selection.

The piano piece Alarieka played was unmistakably Roschelle’s Love’s Affection.

Why would Alaricka perform a composition by Roschelle?

Weren’t they known to be at odds?

And to play it right before Roschelle’s eyes…

Watching Alaricka immersed in her performance, the crowd wore varied expressions.

Judges and fellow competitors maintained composure for the sake of the contest, but Roschelle’s fans erupted in hushed curses from the audience.

“Alarieka’s shameless! Daring to touch our Rose’s composition–is she even qualified? She’s nothing!”

“My Love isn’t for any Tom, Dick, or Harry. Alarieka should get off the stage before embarrassing herself further.”

“Rose must be devastated. Her hard work tainted by trash.”

“Did Alarieka steal Rose’s piece because she couldn’t create her own? At least she’s got taste.”

“Why worry? With Alarieka’s skills attempting My Love, Rose will expose her in seconds.”

“I recall Alarieka accused this piece of plagiarism. Now she’s using it for competition? No shame at all.”

Hearing the familiar notes, Roschelle’s practiced smile faltered, her gaze darkening.

She studied Alarieka by the piano, doubt creeping in.

Was this truly Love’s Affection?

Though just beginning, the piece undeniably echoed its motifs.

Yet…

Roschelle clutched the fabric over her knees.

Only she and Alaricka knew another possibility existed:

Lindsey Weaver’s Yearning Sonata.

After publicly denouncing its plagiarism with such finality, why would Alarieka play it now?

Roschelle’s focus sharpened.

Was history repeating itself?

Like during the school anniversary.

Her breath hitched, pulse quickening.

Observing Alarieka’s serene composure, Roschelle vehemently dismissed her suspicions.

Impossible. Unthinkable.

This was the prestigious Mcintosh Piano Competition–a career-defining platform where every featured performer gained international acclaim.