?<strong>Chapter 789:</strong>


    Freya, however, just stared at Kallie with a dark, sinister look, offering no help.


    Seeing no one on her side, R stomped her foot in frustration. “Sophie, just you wait!”


    Sophie nodded. “Fine, I’ll wait.”


    The host then announced that R was about to perform.


    R quickly straightened her dress, lifting her chin like a proud swan. Just as she stepped onto the stage, she stopped abruptly, turned, and smiled at Sophie. Yet, her smile was strange, unsettling. Her voice dripped with malice as she clearly articted each word. “You won’t beat me today. I can’t wait to see you cry.”


    Sophie hummed in response, thinking R was bluffing and not taking her threat seriously.


    But soon, the smile faded from Sophie’s face.


    R took the stage, performing the formalities before settling at the piano.


    As R began her performance, the familiar piano notes filled the air, and Kallie’s and Sophie’s expressions shifted instantly.


    Thepetition required an originalposition. It was difficult, but everyonepeting here was considered a prodigy.


    As soon as Sophie knew this rule, she eagerly dove into preparation, aiming for a perfect performance. She had spent thest month painstakinglyposing and refining her piece, getting feedback from renowned musicians, and practicing it at least twenty times.


    This was the culmination of Sophie’s hard work. But now, that very piece was being reyed by R. Having heard the piece countless times, Kallie recognized it instantly as Sophie’s original work.


    Sophie, facing this kind of situation for the first time, turned to Kallie with wide, anxious eyes,pletely unsure of what to do.


    Kallie’s face darkened, and she gently patted Sophie’s shoulder tofort her. “She clearly stole yourposition.”


    Before thepetition, each contestant had to submit a backup copy of their sheet music. Somehow, R must have gotten her hands on Sophie’s.


    “What do I do now? She stole my music. What am I supposed to y?” Sophie’s voice trembled, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Kallie squeezed her shoulder gently. “Stay calm, Sophie. Don’t be afraid.”


    Sophie sniffled, fighting back her tears. “Mom, can I switch to a different piece? If not, I won’t y my original.”


    Contestants had the option to use the music provided by thepetition instead of their originalpositions. However, doing so would significantly affect their results.


    Kallie shook her head, her expression firm. “No, you’re going to y your piece. This is your hard work. Why let someone else take it from you? They’re the ones in the wrong, not you.”


    Determination slowly reced the panic in Sophie’s eyes, though she hesitated. “But she already yed it. Won’t it look like I copied her?”


    Kallie patted her head gently. “Don’t worry about that. Leave it to me.”


    As R finished her performance, the apuse thundered through the hall.


    Although Sophie’s piece wasn’t as refined as works by establishedposers, for someone so young, the performance was impressive.


    Oblivious to the truth, the audience showered R with praise, calling her a prodigy.


    R basked in the limelight and held her head high, epting the admiration as though theposition had been her own and not stolen.


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