Chapter 157
Chapter 157 Nora’s Scheme
Finished
Backstage, Nora knelt beside Eda, carefully arranging the layers of her elaborate peacock costume. The performance required a complicated outfit, feathers and silk draping elegantly.
Eda’s gaze lingered on the stage, her tone slow and gentle. “If Lillian had joined, she would’ve surely brought honor to our class p>
Nora gave a derisive snort as she straightened the hem of the skirt. “Grades are all she has. She’s never once taken part in school activities. If she were truly talented, would she stay hidden? You know how she loves the spotlight-if she could, she’d snatch it every time p>
“Is that so? What a shame,” Eda murmured softly. “With so many important people here, I would’ve liked to see how I measure up against her p>
A sharp glint flashed through Nora’s eyes as she stared out toward the stage.
The program was already underway. One after another, the performances showcased Riverdale High’s talent, each more polished than the last.
Finally, Eda’s turn came. And to her credit, her dance was excellent. Every movement was precise, her expression flawless. Combined with her natural beauty and the delicate aura she carried, she stirred an instinctive urge to protect in the men watching.
As her final pose held, thunderous applause filled the auditorium. Even the dignitaries seated in the front row raised their hands to clap.
Eda stepped gracefully down, her smile still as soft as water.
The host returned to the stage, gave the customary compliments, and then announced, “Next, from the freshman year, we invite Lillian to perform for us p>
For a moment, Lillian froze. Jill nudged her. “Lillian… did they just call your name p>
“But I didn’t sign up,” Lillian muttered. “It has to be a mistake p>
Yet the host’s calm voice carried across the hall. “This performance was chosen based on the highest votes from the online poll. It’s an impromptu segment. Please welcome Lillian to the stage p>
The audience erupted. Dozens of voices called her name, the chant spreading until it seemed the entire hall was shouting for her.
Backstage, Nora’s lips curled into a cold smile. You think you’re so capable, Lillian? Let’s see how you get out of this
one.
Lillian rose with composure, slipped off her coat, and handed it to Jill. Then she walked toward the stage, unhurried and calm.
She wore a flowing teal gown, the hem embroidered with blooming mandala flowers. Her figure was tall and poised, her dark hair cascading like seaweed over her shoulders. Under the lights, her eyes gleamed like stars, her lips curved in a faint, steady smile.
In the audience, one pair of eyes locked on her face, trembling hands betraying shock.
Lillian requested a violin from the host. Within momers, one was brought to her. She adjusted the strings with practiced ease, then stepped into the center of the age.
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Chapter 157 Nora’s Scheme
Finished
The auditorium fell silent. Her cool, clear voice rang out through the microphone. “I’m sorry-I wasn’t prepared for this. So I’ll improvise. Please allow me to share a violin piece p>
A spotlight hit her, scattering blue highlights through her hair, making her look like a vision, as if something ethereal had descended onto the stage.
Then the first notes rang out.
The melody soared, rich and haunting, filling the hall with an aching sweetness. Her slender fingers danced across the strings, coaxing sounds that seemed alive, like whispers between lovers unwilling to part. The music pulled everyone in, weaving a story of love that stretched across centuries, lingering with longing and devotion.
When the last note faded, the silence was profound.
Lillian bowed her head gently, turned, and left the stage
Then a single pair of hands began to clap-quickly joined by another, and then another. Within seconds, the auditorium erupted in thunderous applause, cheers rising into a frenzy.
Backstage, Eda’s hands clenched tight around her skirt, though her smile remained as serene as ever.
Nora, however, glared after Lillian, her eyes venomous, glinting like a snake ready to strike.
The anniversary celebration ended in triumph. And once again, Lillian stood at the peak of Riverdale High, not just the top student but now an undeniable presence. Her performance silenced every doubt, every whisper.
But Lillian herself remained as calm as ever, unmoved by the storm of attention. She simply went on her way, untouched.
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.