"If I''d known Haynes would end up marrying Ste, that airhead who hasn''t even finished high school, I would''ve just let him be with Rachel," Deanna sighed, shaking her head.


    Jasper leaned forward, his grin all teeth. "Oh, this I''ve got to see. Ste''s humiliation? That''ll be the performance of the evening."


    Rachel needed some time to get ready, with a new shower and makeup. They originally nned for her to be the grand finale, giving her plenty of time to prepare.


    But then Jasper had a revtion.


    If Rachel was the finale, that meant Ste would have to perform before her. Although Ste couldn''t possibly outshine Rachel, Jasper thought it was crucial for Ste to witness the vast chasm between them.


    He wanted Ste to be so embarrassed that she''d never dare challenge Rachel again.


    If Rachel performed before Ste, she''d captivate the judges and the audience entirely. By the time Ste got on stage, people would still be mesmerized by Rachel''s performance, barely paying attention to hers.


    Ste would be nothing more than a footnote, a mere background shadow. It was perfect!


    When Jasper shared his idea with Rachel, she was immediately on board.


    ...


    The judges sitting in the audience were already worn out from the long


    Even some of the little kids in the audience were nodding off from sitting too long. Quite a few people had already left the auditorium to get some fresh air.


    But then, the soothing and enchanting notes flowed from Rachel''s fingertips, and everyone suddenly perked up.


    A series of melodious, enchanting tunes danced through the air like lively spirits. Rachel''s fingers seemed to possess a life of their own.


    The spotlight above bathed Rachel in a gentle glow. The violin at her neck shimmered like a crystal, mysterious and grand.


    It was a breathtaking blue violin, reminiscent of the ocean''s beauty. The beautiful notes poured from this violin, flowing like a gentle stream, refreshing and captivating the soul.


    "Holy cow!" Abby couldn''t help but exim. "This violin is way better than Star''s Nocturne Ste. And she wanted the Nocturne Ste?!"


    Even Neville was momentarily entranced by Rachel''s performance. He turned to Abby, curiosity piqued.


    "The Nocturne Ste is one of the top ten famous violins," he said. "Are you telling me Rachel''s unremarkable violin can outshine it?"


    Abby smiled knowingly. "That''s the thing. The Nocturne Ste is renowned for its exceptional musical qualities, sure. But it''s not the ultimate violin because of its performance—it''s the legacy and meaning bestowed upon it by its yers."


    "The Nocturne Ste was used by Star''s mother in her youth. Star and I have taken great care of it over the years."


    "But honestly, with all the advancements in violin making, modern violins have surpassed older ones in many ways. They perform better now."


    She gazed at Rachel''s violin. "I bet this violin was custom-made at great expense, and its performance is outstanding—even surpassing the Nocturne Ste."


    As they spoke, Rachel and Keen''s performance came to an end.


    Though they performed together, Rachel''s talent was so dazzling that Keen seemed to fade into oblivion. Keen, though technically wless, became a shadow in her glow.


    By the final movement, the audience had narrowed to Rachel alone, as if the stage held only one performer.


    As the final note faded, the room erupted into thunderous apuse.