Chapter 181
“The opening act is crucial,” Abby had said, leaning back in her chair with a knowing smile. “Everyone’s still fresh, so as long as you don’t mess up and have a few highlights, you’re bound to score high. Even if someone performs equally well later, it’s tough to top the opener’s score.”
And Abby was right. One after another, the next five or six acts took the stage, and none managed to surpass that initial score.
Abby watched the performances with a puzzled look. “Hey, isn’t this supposed to be a talent show? Why is everyone just playing instruments? Where’s the singing and dancing?”
Singing and dancing were talents too, after all.
Neville, who had been lounging and watching the acts with a kind of bored detachment, finally spoke up. “Singing and dancing, for families like ours, are considered a bit lowbrow. In our circles, children learn proper disciplines-Mozart by seven, Debussy by ten, and at least passable watercolors before puberty. Not because we’ll ever need them, of course. But taste is what separates us from the rest.”
Abby nodded, understanding dawning on her. “Ah, I see.”
On stage, there was a medley of instruments being played. Pianos, harps, organ, cellos, violins-you name it.
It was a blend of Eastern and Western, modern and classical, a true smorgasbord of sounds.
There was even a parent playing the violin, who seemed aware of the stiff competition and had a hard time focusing, scraping by with a mere eighty points.
Abby watched with great interest.
Time passed, and soon a teacher approached Stella and her son Marvin. “Marvin and family, please make your way backstage.”
“We’re ready, thank you,” Stella replied, holding Marvin’s hand as they headed off.
Abby called after them with a grin, “Stella, go out there and knock ’em dead! Go take what yours! No holding back!”
Stella smiled back. “Of course.”
She had her own reasons for not holding back, not least of which was her mother’s necklace.
In the waiting area backstage, a few other families were preparing for their turns.
The competition was nearing its end, and the highest score so far was 98.
As Stella entered, she could feel the curious eyes on her, some filled with condescension.
In the world of high society, where social climbing and status were everything, people like Stella, who had neither a prestigious background nor a flashy education, didn’t quite fit in.
She was often looked down upon, even more so than newcomers or second wives.
Unbothered, Stella sat with Marvin and started tuning his violin.
“Well, if it isn’t Stella!” came a voice dripping with sarcasm. “You actually showed up! I thought you’d chicken out and fake a fainting spell to avoid the competition!”
Stella recognized the voice even before she saw the speaker. She glanced up, spotting Jasper with his violin, standing beside Rachel.
She gave him a brief, indifferent look before turning away, treating him as though he were invisible.
Jasper’s gaze flicked to the door-no Haynes, no Keen. Perfect. A smirk curled at the edge of his mouth as he leaned toward Rachel. “Since she’s so fond of making your life difficult… let’s return the favor.”
Rachel bit her lip, the picture of false sympathy. “Jasper, don’t go overboard.”
“Relax, I know what I’m doing.”
With that, Jasper swaggered over to where Stella was sitting.