Chapter 97

Evelyn had been toying with them all along!

Her previously clumsy fingers now moved with practiced precision across the ukulele strings. The melody flowing from her instrument was unmistakably the same score Natalia had given her earlier.

The audience's expressions shifted dramatically - from initial disgust to confusion, then finally to awe and admiration.

Natalia and her clique stood frozen in shock.

None of them anticipated Evelyn could play this well. The tables had turned completely. Sensing the momentum shift, Natalia's friends quickly rallied behind her.

"Don't just stand there, Natalia! Sing!"

"Use your voice to overpower Evelyn!"

"Don't forget to dance!"

Jolted by their encouragement, Natalia snapped into action. She began singing and dancing to the rhythm, pouring all her energy into stealing back the audience's attention.

For a moment, it worked. Some classmates turned their gaze toward her, prompting Natalia to dance even more vigorously.

Then Evelyn accelerated her tempo.

Her fingers flew across the strings with impossible speed and accuracy - far beyond any beginner's capability. This was professional-level playing, maintaining perfect pitch and rhythm even at breakneck speed.

Natalia struggled to keep up. Her breathing grew ragged as she attempted to match the accelerating tempo while dancing. The strain proved too much.

With an undignified thud, she collapsed on stage.

The audience erupted.

"How does someone trip during their own song? It's like she doesn't know it well."

"Natalia sounds winded, but Evelyn plays amazingly!"

"Exactly! Evelyn truly deserves her reputation as the top all-around student. She's not even in music, yet plays like a pro!"

Evelyn stopped playing when Natalia fell.

Glancing at the struggling girl, she addressed the crowd. "Natalia's composition has a modern style. While playable on ukulele, it doesn't showcase the instrument's strengths. May I perform something more suitable?"

"Yes!"

"Please do!"

"We're listening!"

Evelyn smiled. "I'll play an instrumental version of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' as my graduation gift to you all. Forgive any mistakes."

Her fingers coaxed forth a delicate, haunting melody that perfectly captured youthful hope and resilience. Each note resonated with emotional depth, blending strength and tenderness in perfect harmony.

When the final chord faded, stunned silence gripped the audience.

Then came the first crisp clap from the opposite terrace.

Evelyn turned - and nearly dropped her ukulele. 'Nathaniel? How long has he been watching?'

There he stood, his tall frame unmistakable. His applause was measured yet powerful, his devastatingly handsome face wearing an expression that mingled admiration with amusement.

'His friends are here too? Were they all watching me?'

Most noticeable was Benjamin, who'd been staring dazedly before suddenly glaring at her with unexpected venom.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" Dominic Prescott cheered enthusiastically, sparking a thunderous standing ovation that shook the entire terrace.