<b>Chapter </b>436
Zora’s expression remained dismissive. “Sure, he yed the notes, but does a child that young even understand what the music is trying to express? I’ll admit he’s good at imitation, but it’s all just mimicry–soulless and meaningless”
Whispers broke out across the audience. Many couldn’t understand why this judge was so determined to discredit contestant <b>24. </b><b>The </b>boy
had clearly yed beautifully
Caitlin thought Zora’s argument was absurd. The only way to deal with people like her was to fight back with skill.
“Fine,” Caitlin said. “If you still can’t acknowledge my son’s ability, then I’ll y the same piece myself–let’s see who does it better,”
<b>She </b>put down the microphone and walked toward the ns. Those who didn’t know her were stunned–what kind of parent would dare challenge a professional judge onstage?
Zora lifted her chin arrogantly, watching Caitlin’s back with narrowed eyes. She was itching to see how far this woman thought her talents could go.
Caitlin’s pale, elegant hands floated to the keys. The first notes rang out–fluid and confident.
It was the third time the audience had heard the piece, and many were familiar with its melody by now. To the untrained ear<b>, </b>all three renditions–Zora’s, Howard’s, and now Caitlin’s–might have sounded equally impressive.
But true professionals knew better. Subtle differences revealed true mastery.
Caitlin’s performance wasn’t just technically wless–it was at a master level. <b>Her </b>control, precision, and musicality far exceeded Zora’s. Every note was rich with intention and emotion,
If Howard could be forgiven for not yet fully grasping the piece’s deeper meaning due to his age, Caitlin suffered no such limitation. She not only understood the emotional <b>nuances</b>–she embodied them.
As her fingers danced across the keys, the entire hall seemed to fall under her spell. The atmosphere changed. Every ear tuned in. Every heart <b>was </b><b>drawn </b>into the story her music told.
On the second floor, members of the Vanderbilt family listened in awe. Caitlin’s talent <b>was </b>nothing short of breathtaking.
Even the Xenos family was impressed. It was no wonder Howard had such talent–his parents were gifted. This was pure, generational genius Zora’s expression darkened as the music continued. She hadn’t expected this. Caitlin’s abilities left her with no ce to hide.
Why did this woman seem to excel at “everything“<b>? </b>
Caitlin’s fingers blurred during the most intense passages, her tempo racing with controlled passion. As the final notended and faded, she pressed her <b>fingers </b><b>gently </b>against the keys–then stood and bowed.
The audience erupted.
Thunderous apuse <b>filled </b>the room like <b>a </b>storm breaking loose. No one could deny what they had just witnessed
Caitlin turned to face Zora, her eyes sharp. The two women stood across from each other–one in white, one in ck, like night and day.
“I believe music that moves people is true music. The audience’s response says it all. Do you still have anything to say?”
Zora didn’t respond. She had no argument left. The truth had spoken louder than her pride.
At that moment, the head of the event’s organizingmittee stepped onto the stage.
Ladies and gentlemen, there’s been an unfortunate misunderstanding tonight. After thorough discussion, we’ve decided <b>to </b>re–evaldata to final results. We ask all the young contestants to please return to the stage.
Themittee had learned exactly who contestant 24 was–Howard, son of the Vanderbilt family in New York. Offending them wit something they could afford.
Themittee head turned to Caitlin with a smile of appeasement. “Ma’am, please stay with your child onstage. We’ll give <b>you </b><b>a </b><b>fair </b>and proper resolution shortly.”
It was clear they
they knew who she was–and who stood behind her. Their tone practically dripped with ttery.
But Caitlin had already made up her mind.
“There’s no need,” she said coolly. “We won’t be participating in any re–evaluation. A trophy from a riggedpetition means nothing to us
She took her son’s hand and calmly walked off the stage.
Themittee head stood frozen, sweat beading on his neck. What now? They had just thoroughly offended the Vanderbilt family.
The rest of the audience, still present, was stunned. Most could only admire Caltin’s s courage.
She had stood up against bias, exposed injustice<b>, </b>and when given the chance to ept a hollow apology–she walked away with grace.
It was power. It was dignity. And it was satisfying as hell to witness
In the end, the event organizers stuck to the original results. Kyle remained the champion. But anyone who had seen Howard perform that day knew he was the real winner.
Outside the cultural center, Caitlin reunited with the rest of the Vanderbilt family, Raymond and Eliza scooped Howard up, kissing his checks
with pride.
He hadn’t won the trophy, but to them, he was a <b>star</b>.
Molly ruffled his hair. “You little rascal, when did you learn to y piano like that? Been hiding it from us?”
Howard puffed up and folded his arms. “Not telling.”
“Aww, my poor heart,” Molly exaggerated dramatically. “So mean!”
Howard suddenly grinned. “Simon can fix it.”
There was a beat of silence–then everyone burst outughing. Even Simon turned bright red from head to toe, cracking up despite himself.
Everyone knew by now that things between him and Molly had gotten very… sweet.
At that moment, the Xenos family emerged from the venue, still beaming. Kyle held his trophy proudly as rtives showered him with praise
When Kyle spotted Howard, he ran over.
“Howard!” he called out.
Howard turned but said nothing. Kyle held out his trophy, “You should take this. You yed better than me.”
Kyle was proud, but he was also honest. He knew what he had heard.
Howard shook his head. “No need. I’ll win next time”
He didn’t care about the trophy anymore. What mattered was that his family had seen him. The
Cheered for him. That was more than enough.
“Kyle, that’s your trophy<b>. </b>Why would you give it away?” Yasmin stepped in, snatching the award from his hands. Her eyes flicked smugly
toward Caitlin and her group.
No one knew what she and Zora had discussed earlier, but it was clear she was pleased with the oue.
Madison, smiling awkwardly, said, “Since everyone’s here, how about we all go out for dinner? Our treat.”
Felix nodded eagerly. “Yes, we’d love to have you.”
“Maybe next time,” Caitlin replied. “We’ve got something else we need to take care of <b>today</b>.”
“Alright then. Let’s n for another time.”
Caitlin declined graciously, not because of the contest drama–but because she had one more important thing to do
It was time to close the.