Chapter 98

"Evelyn has proven she's the ultimate all-rounder! Her ukulele skills surpass even some music majors!"

"I'm officially a believer now. No more doubts about her abilities!"

"Same here! No wonder she's legendary. Dean's favoritism makes total sense!"

The auditorium erupted in applause as Evelyn finished her performance. Every single student was on their feet, cheering wildly.

Across the room, Natalia and her clique wore expressions like they'd swallowed lemons.

Evelyn set down the instrument with deliberate care. She strode to center stage, locking eyes with her challengers. "Your turn. Public apology to the dean. Now."

The ringleader gaped. "H-How can an engineering student play like that?"

Evelyn shrugged. "Picked it up in my free time."

The girl's face twisted. "'Picked it up'? That was professional-level—"

"Better than who, exactly?" Evelyn arched one perfect eyebrow.

The girl clamped her mouth shut, refusing to voice the compliment dangling on her tongue.

Evelyn crossed her arms. "I held up my end. Time for you to honor our agreement."

The group huddled together, whispering furiously. Their reluctance was palpable.

"Stop stalling! Apologize already!"

"Made the challenge, now pay up!"

"Get on with it!"

Under mounting peer pressure, the girls slunk onto the stage. "We... apologize to Evelyn and Dean Whitmore. Our comments were unfounded and inappropriate." Their insincere mumbles barely carried past the first row.

The crowd's murmurs turned judgmental. Evelyn had already tuned them out, massaging her temples as she exited the stifling auditorium.

She'd only attended this reunion to maintain appearances for Nathaniel's sake. Who knew a simple ukulele would cause such drama?

"Evelyn! Wait!"

She turned to find Natalia charging toward her, clutching the instrument like a weapon. "You're not leaving until you pay for damaging my ukulele!"

Evelyn blinked. "It was fine when I played it."

Natalia thrust it forward. "Look closer! These scratches weren't here before! This is a vintage piece worth thousands!"

The sweet facade had cracked completely. Natalia's true colors—petty jealousy and wounded pride—shone through.

Evelyn examined the alleged damage. "Name your price."

"Fifteen thousand. Consider it a friends-and-family discount." Natalia's saccharine smile didn't reach her venomous eyes.