As Mr. Hammond''s voice echoed through the auditorium, calling Matthew to the stage, he adjusted his thick-rimmed sses and quickly straightened his clothes. Taking a deep breath, he pulled back the curtain and stepped up to the podium.


    At first, Matthew was visibly nervous, his words stumbling a bit. But as he found his footing, his natural charisma and humor began to shine through, quickly lifting the spirits of his younger peers.


    Backstage, Mirabe stood with her arms crossed,zily leaning against a Corinthian column. She listened intently but didn''t engage in conversation with Taylor or Meg.


    Next up was Taylor. A junior, two years ahead of Matthew and Meg, Taylor exuded a mature confidence that drew almost immediate cheers from the female students as he took the stage. His good looks certainly didn''t hurt either.


    Even though Taylor had graduated years ago, his legacy still loomedrge at Parkside High School. His numerous achievements in variouspetitions had brought significant glory to the school, and his name was well-known even among those who had never met him.


    As Taylor began to speak, the apuse was non-stop, creating an energy that made Matthew''s earlier reception seem subdued inparison.


    Still riding the high from his own speech, Matthew peeked from behind the curtain to watch Taylor effortlessly captivate the audience without even ncing at his notes. Recognizing his own limits, Matthew couldn''t help but admire him, muttering, "Taylor''s really something."


    Mirabe, overhearing him, gave a casual nod and said, "He''s alright, but you did well too. Everyone has their own style."


    Matthew chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head, touched by her attempt tofort him.


    Meg, however, furrowed her brows at Mirabe''sment. ''Taylor''s skills are beyond many professionals, and she just says he''s alright?'' she thought, irritated by what she saw as tant attention-seeking. Meg subtly shifted away, preferring not to stand too close to Mirabe.


    Unaware of Meg''s irritation, Matthew pulled out his phone and turned to Mirabe. "Hey, can we add each other on Messenger? It''d be great to discuss academic stuff and exchange ideas."


    Mirabe, who had a good impression of Matthew, agreed without hesitation, and they exchanged contacts on Messenger.


    Taylor''s speech wrapped up twenty minutester to another round of enthusiastic apuse, a clear testament to the students'' admiration and affection for him. Even Mr. Hammond couldn''t help but express hismendation over the microphone.


    As Taylor made his way backstage, Meg was the first to greet him, handing him some throat lozenges she had prepared. "Taylor, your speech was incredible. I feel the pressure now more than ever."


    Taylor thanked her and reassured her with a smile, "Don''t put too much pressure on yourself. The students this year are a great bunch. Just take it easy."


    Buoyed by his encouragement, Meg nodded lightly, her nerves settling. It was now her turn to take the stage.