Chapter 622

The discovery struck Evelyn like lightning.

Hidden among the orchestra's archives was a hauntingly beautiful composition that perfectly captured the essence of love. With just minor adjustments, it would be competition-ready. Evelyn's fingers trembled as she traced the musical notes - this was her golden ticket.

The melody already had viral potential. Online voters would eat it up. She'd at least secure an honorable mention.

Then came the shocking realization.

The piece had been shared on Twitter weeks ago by renowned cellist Natalie Riley - composed by none other than Leonard Herty's protégé, Evelyn Carter.

Evelyn's stomach twisted with envy. How dare that pregnant nobody possess such talent?

Her fingers flew across her phone, creating a fake composer account. She uploaded the original manuscript as "proof" of her authorship. The internet exploded.

Within hours, plagiarism accusations against Evelyn Carter trended worldwide. Orchestra administrators launched an immediate investigation.

The music world didn't tolerate thieves. If convicted, Evelyn Carter would be blacklisted forever.

Isabella Morgan smirked. With the manuscript in hand, who could prove she wasn't the true composer?

"Let's see Leonard Herty protect his precious student now," she muttered. "When this scandal breaks, he'll drop her like a hot coal."

The competition deadline loomed. Isabella knew using existing music was risky, but with her "modifications," who could tell?

She spent hours transcribing, altering just enough to claim originality. When finished, she handed the sheets to Cassandra Brown.

Cassandra's eyes lit up. "This is brilliant! The interplay between cello and violin - exquisite!" They digitized the score and submitted their entry.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Carter had submitted her composition early. Six months pregnant, she desperately needed rest after two grueling days composing.

Her baby bump had become noticeable, though loose clothing still concealed it. The weight made every movement sluggish.

Judges reviewed submissions in marathon sessions. Most contestants anxiously awaited results, but Evelyn slipped away to a nearby bistro. Sunlight warmed her face as she ate slowly - her first proper meal in days.

Back at the venue, judging progressed rapidly. Initial rounds used a strict scoring system: discard highest and lowest marks, average the rest. Top ten advanced.

Leonard Herty and Natalie Riley sat on the judging panel. After fifty compositions, even their trained ears grew fatigued.

Isabella and Cassandra's piece played as entry #49. Isabella studied the judges' reactions like a hawk.

"Current tenth place is 80 points," Cassandra whispered. "We need higher to advance."

The screen flashed their score: 85. They'd made it.

"Go change into your performance dress," Cassandra urged. But Isabella lingered, waiting to hear the final entry.

Evelyn returned just as her composition began playing. The judges' expressions shifted instantly - leaning forward, eyes alight.

Entry #50 received the highest scores yet, including a rare 99 from notoriously harsh Leonard.

Isabella's blood ran cold when she saw Evelyn rise and walk backstage.

Online viewers already flooded forums with "#50 for the win!" comments. A few praised #49, but the tide clearly favored Evelyn's piece.

Backstage, Cassandra found Isabella pale and shaking. "What's wrong?"

"I think #50 is Evelyn Carter's," Isabella whispered. "Her score crushed ours."

Cassandra scoffed while applying lipstick. "Composition means nothing without performance. Many choke in the live round."

But Isabella had heard Evelyn play. Her cello skills now rivaled Cassandra's as principal cellist.

A dangerous glint entered Isabella's eyes. "We need to ensure she doesn't get that chance."

Cassandra's makeup brush froze mid-stroke. "What are you suggesting?"

Isabella's smile turned venomous. "An unfortunate accident before her performance. Nothing traceable back to us."

The two women locked eyes, an unspoken pact forming. The competition had just turned deadly.