Chapter 93

The terrace was adorned with two artificial cherry blossom trees and lush potted plants. A small performance stage stood between them, meant for guests to showcase their musical talents.

Downstairs, the acoustics were terrible. Even with the music turned off, noise from adjacent rooms leaked through the walls. That's why the students insisted Evelyn and Natalia perform upstairs.

Natalia beamed as she handed Evelyn the sheet music. "Here's my original composition. I'm sure someone of your caliber won't have any trouble with it."

Evelyn studied the intricate score. The piece was masterfully written - far too complex for an amateur. Natalia had clearly designed this as a trap.

"Problem?" Natalia feigned concern when she noticed Evelyn's hesitation. "Too challenging for you?"

Evelyn met her gaze briefly before sighing. "It's difficult, but I'll do my best to accompany you."

Natalia's smile didn't reach her eyes. This pretentious amateur actually thought she could play her masterpiece? The composition had taken Natalia a full year to perfect, incorporating every advanced technique she'd mastered. If even she struggled with certain passages, this fraud stood no chance.

This was Natalia's revenge. For four years, Evelyn's "perfect student" act had overshadowed her. Tonight, she'd expose Evelyn's mediocrity in front of everyone.

Ten minutes later, they ascended to the terrace stage. Evelyn settled into position, arranging the music on the stand and preparing her instrument.

Her hands froze when she opened the case. This wasn't a guitar.

"Everything alright?" Natalia asked with faux concern. "Need more time?"

Evelyn's expression darkened. "You should see this."

Natalia peered into the case and gasped dramatically. "Oh dear! I must have packed my ukulele by mistake!"

The growing audience grew restless.

"What's the holdup?"

"Just start already!"

"They're both string instruments - what's the difference?" someone shouted ignorantly.

Natalia seized the opportunity. "He's right. The composition works on ukulele too. Why don't you try?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. The "mistake" was obviously intentional, confirmed by Natalia's smug expression.

"Unless..." Natalia widened her eyes in mock surprise. "You don't actually play ukulele?"

Silence.

Natalia clasped her hands in exaggerated apology. "My mistake! I assumed our 'perfect' student could handle basic instruments. How embarrassing!"

Natalia's clique erupted in laughter.

"Get off the stage if you can't play!"

"Let Natalia perform solo!"

"Some 'perfect student' - can't even play a simple ukulele!"

"Guess all those rumors about you were just lies!"