Chapter 598

To maintain impartiality, all competitors in the same section performed identical musical pieces.

Evelyn Carter's turn came toward the finale. Three other cellists had already played the same composition, leaving the audience somewhat weary.

But Evelyn's interpretation stood apart. Her rendition brimmed with raw emotion, every note meticulously crafted with precision.

When she finished, the concert hall erupted in thunderous applause.

She earned the highest score of the competition - a staggering 9.5 out of 10.

"Looks like we might have a new principal cellist."

"She surpasses Cassandra. Leonard truly lives up to his reputation, mentoring such an exceptional protégé."

"She's only been with our orchestra for a month, hasn't she?"

"Her talent must be extraordinary. Why else would Leonard personally select her from all the brilliant musicians here?"

In the audience, Isabella Morgan clenched her fists.

This marked her first time witnessing Evelyn perform.

She felt relieved to specialize in violin rather than cello.

Otherwise, she wouldn't stand a chance competing directly against such skill.

After her performance, Evelyn retreated to the dressing room. Isabella intercepted her in the corridor.

"Congratulations," Isabella offered.

Evelyn studied her briefly. She couldn't be bothered deciphering whether the congratulations were genuine or forced. "Thanks," she replied simply.

"I scored highest in the violin section," Isabella added defensively. "I'm just as accomplished as you."

Evelyn tilted her head, expression neutral. "Nobody suggested otherwise. Why so defensive?"

"You know the winners will represent the orchestra in the composition competition, right? The forty-eight-hour challenge. It's a team event. I intend to win first place. Don't drag me down." The prestigious competition paired musicians to create original works within two days.

Previous winning compositions had been acquired by major labels for top artists, some fetching millions in royalties and dominating music charts. For aspiring musicians, it served as the ultimate springboard - a single hit could launch a career, guaranteeing demand for future works.

Evelyn, however, remained indifferent. She'd only participated to fulfill Leonard's requirements.

She lacked both experience and ambition in composition.

Simply passing the orchestra's selection sufficed for her.

Isabella, conversely, seemed eager to collaborate.

Evelyn blinked innocently. "Why should I partner with you?"

"What do you mean?" Isabella snapped.

She'd assumed Evelyn's cello mastery and Leonard's endorsement made her the ideal partner.

She'd approached Evelyn first. Yet Evelyn appeared to be rejecting her.

Frustrated, Isabella demanded, "Cello and violin make perfect partners. You're seriously refusing?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"Perfect partners doesn't mean I have to choose you."

Then she stuck out her tongue playfully. "I'm not teaming up with you. Deal with it. Hah!"

Truthfully, Evelyn didn't want to handicap Isabella, knowing she wouldn't take the competition seriously. But Isabella misinterpreted her intentions.

Tears welled in Isabella's eyes as frustration overwhelmed her.

When Alexander Whitmore arrived, Isabella flung herself into his arms, sobbing dramatically.

"Alexander, did you see that? I tried being civil, but she refused to cooperate. She's utterly impossible!"