Chapter 263

Roschelle Whitaker raised her hand, wiped the tears from the corner of her eye, and whispered, “She should have been the champion of this final. This is my compensation to her, and my apology.”

Rose suddenly shifted her gaze, locking eyes with Paloma Wyatt’s camera lens.

Through the screen, Alarieka and Rose stared at each other.

Rose said, “Alarieka, are you watching? This apology is meant for you. I should’ve explained things clearly instead of letting you worry yourself sick. But know this–my goal aligns with yours. Like you, I want everyone to see Paloma’s talent.”

“I sincerely hope you can forgive me. And I genuinely wish for you to claim the champion’s trophy–it rightfully belongs to you.”

Alarieka’s eyes glinted with sarcasm.

This was Rose’s signature tactic: playing the victim while pretending magnanimity to win sympathy.

Yet despite Rose’s transparent act, Kieran Argent and others seemed blind. The moment Rose shed tears or feigned distress, they’d lay everything at her feet while stomping Alarieka into the mud.

Paloma Wyatt picked up the microphone, her tone stern. “Ms. Whitaker, I now formally ask on behalf of the McIntosh Piano Competition organizers: Do you confirm your decision to relinquish first place in the finals?”

Rose replied, “I confirm. Please award the trophy to the contestant who truly deserves it.”

Paloma said, “I urge you to reconsider. You must understand what first place in the McIntosh Piano Competition represents. Abandoning this title means forfeiting countless opportunities. I ask once more: Are you truly willing to give up your first-place achievement?”

Rose responded, “Ms. Wyatt, esteemed judges–I’ve reflected all night. As a graduate of the Siana Conservatory of Music in America, I’ve received exceptional education and numerous opportunities. I’ve competed in prestigious events and won various awards. I believe other contestants need this trophy more.”

“My decision is final. No further persuasion is necessary. Thank you.”

Paloma announced, “Very well. Since you voluntarily withdraw, we’ll implement the ranking succession principle. The revised finals ranking is: First place, Alarieka Huston. Second place…”

Someone suddenly shrieked, “I’m third?! I actually got third place! I’m the bronze medalist!”

As Paloma read the results, Rose smiled faintly. With effortless grace, she placed her trophy back on the piano and descended the stage, lifting her gown’s hem.

The audience erupted in frenzied discussion.

No one anticipated this outcome after such turmoil.

Rose had voluntarily surrendered her hard-won championship trophy, magnanimously yielding to her longtime rival Alarieka!

This was the McIntosh Piano Competition’s grand prize!

Winning meant instant fame: resources and performances would flood the champion, offering a fast track to success and social mobility–every pianist’s dream.

Yet Rose had casually handed victory to Alarieka!

Such selflessness! Such disregard for fame and fortune! The crowd was deeply moved.

Earlier, they’d found Rose’s explanation about the Lindsey Weaver incident absurd–nothing but flimsy excuses for plagiarism.

But now it seemed, someone who could willingly give up the championship at the McIntosh Piano Competition finals – how could they possibly plagiarize others‘ work just for fleeting praise? That would be putting the cart before the horse!

Moreover, as Roschelle Whitaker stated, she has won numerous international awards abroad over the years, performed solo piano pieces at prestigious venues, and been hailed as a “piano prodigy” by foreign media. Her original compositions have gained global recognition, earning multiple international music awards. Such a talented artist has no need to plagiarize an obscure piano piece.

Roschelle Whitaker’s apology and surrender of the trophy reignited admiration among skeptical audience members. Even through the screen, Alarieka could hear the audience praising Roschelle Whitaker.

Alarieka hung up immediately.