After the host finished exining thepetition rules, the ten contestants each drew a number from a box.


    Whoever picked the same number would face off against each other that day.


    Ste unfolded her slip of paper.


    Number One.


    The host called out, "Can the two contestants who drew number one please step forward?"


    Ste took a step forward and revealed her number.


    To her surprise, the other person who stepped out... was Rachel.


    Of all people-her nemesis!


    "Whoa!" Abby''s eyes grew wide. "Ste''s luck is insane! First day of the contest and she gets to wipe the floor with Rachel!"


    Honestly, what could be more satisfying than crushing Rachel in front of the judges and a global audience?


    Especially with Mr. Walden watching, and the whole world tuned in to the live broadcast.


    The thought alone made Abby''s blood race.


    They''d put up with Rachel''s attitude for far too long. The fact that Mr. Walden would even take someone like Rachel as a student just proved his glory days were over.


    Ste arched an eyebrow at Rachel, a slow, confident smile tugging at her lips.


    She was thinking exactly the same thing as Abby.


    Running into Rachel on day one? Talk about luck.


    Rachel, on the other hand, looked thunderstruck.


    She''d lost to Ste once before.


    It hadn''t been an official match, but for Rachel, losing to Ste was an unforgivable humiliation.


    Even knowing Ste was the Williams family heiress, Rachel refused to believe she was in any way inferior. Ste didn''t deserve the life she had.


    Mr. Walden had already retaken his seat.


    Next to him sat Rena and two others, plus Colby.


    Rena whispered, "This is perfect.


    only


    Ste pulled that influencer who e finally show her up, bio


    knows how to chase fame. Now she


    can


    time."


    Johnny grinned, "I''ve never actually seen Ste y. This is my chance to see what she''s really made of."


    David pumped his fist quietly. "Go get ''em, Ste!"


    Colby smiled at Ste''s silhouette on the stage, admiration shining in his eyes.


    He didn''t believe for a second that a woman who only relied on publicity could beat Rachel.


    Mr. Walden alone seemed troubled, a faint crease between his brows.


    Ste and Rachel soon left to prepare backstage.


    Since bing Mr. Walden''s student, Rachel had improved her violin skills dramatically under his guidance.


    If Ste was still stuck at the level she''d had back in elementary school, Rachel was sure she could win.


    The thought gave her a boost of confidence.


    Since Ste and Rachel would perform on the same stage, Ste was up first.


    Usually, Ste was scheduled near the end ofpetitions.


    This was the first time she''d ever opened a show.


    Countless pairs of eyes were fixed on her-no longer distracted or tired like during the final performances, when some people started scrolling on their phones, chatting, or even standing up to stretch their legs.


    To be the center of attention like this-for the first time in five years, Ste felt a


    strange sense of unreality.


    How wonderful.


    She was finally back where she belonged.


    Ste offered the audience a gentle lifted her violin and drew


    bow,


    the


    across the strings,


    beginning to y. Contentoveline