?<strong>Chapter 438:</strong>


    Rebekah firmly denied knowing the man, but the tension in the room was palpable. Unable to remain seated, Mariana stormed onto the stage, eximing, “She stole my spot! Shecks the skill I possess, yet she advanced to the semifinal. I demand a reassessment!”


    The judge, overwhelmed by the disruption, massaged his temples and announced, “Anyone questioning the results, step forward.”


    Elyse and Mariana moved forward together, while Rebekah hesitated but eventually remained where she was.


    Observing her reluctance, one judge inquired, “Are you satisfied with the results?”


    As a finalist, Rebekah had no grievances. She replied tly, “I did not cheat. My presence here is proof of my capability.”


    The judge instructed, “Step forward. You cannot remain unaffected when you are the center of suspicion.”


    Rebekah’s gaze hardened with anger and disdain as she looked at Mariana and Elyse. After a brief phone call, the judge dered, “We will have a rematch. Prove your skills, and we may adjust the rankings ordingly.”


    Rebekah protested, “The results are final. I oppose a rematch.”


    The judge’s stern reply came quickly, “Refusal means you reject the rules, and I will have to disqualify you.”


    With clenched fists and a heavy heart, Rebekah had no option but toply, as the judges wielded ultimate authority. Reluctant, she joined Elyse and Mariana.


    Elyse regarded Rebekah coolly, remarking, “I underestimated you.”


    Rebekah sneered in response, “Your usations are baseless. You’re the true troublemaker here.”


    Elyse’s sneer was her only reply, showing her persistent defiance.


    The judge deliberated briefly and thenmanded, “For this skillpetition, you have to perform Erlk?nig.”


    At this, not just the contestants but also the spectators were taken aback. Elyse knew this was her weakest area. Wasn’t this setting her up for certain defeat?


    Elyse initially felt shocked but soon felt a surge of adrenaline at the challenge. The piece she had been secretly perfecting was Erlk?nig.


    Mariana hesitated, looking uncertain when she heard the judge’s words. She didn’t speak but took out her violin to familiarize herself with the piece again. It was a risky choice; she hadn’t yed this piece in a long time.


    “I’ll y first,” Elyse dered, taking out her violin.


    The judge nodded in agreement. “Then let’s begin.”


    On stage, Darren and Vicky stepped aside, giving Elyse the spotlight. Vicky wore a look of disdain, doubting Elyse could master this piece. She anticipated a public embarrassment. Conversely, Darren was fraught with concern. He had witnessed Elyse’s previous attempts at this piece, which were riddled with errors. Internally, he rooted for her sess, eager to pursue internationalpetitions together.


    Oblivious to the mixed emotions around her, Elyse positioned herself, calmed her nerves, andmenced ying.


    From below the stage, Irving remarked, “She’s steady. She knows this piece well.”


    The piece, Erlk?nig, challenged the violinist’s left-hand independence, required stretching into extended positions, and demanded precise bow control. Elyse executed it wlessly, maintaining both the piece’s integrity and its musicality. Following her performance, it was clear Elyse was genuinely talented.


    Mariana followed, taking center stage to perform second. During this time, Fiona returned from a brief respite outside. She sensed the heightened tension in the hall. Upon inquiring, she discovered she had ced ninth out of ten, a disappointing oue.


    She watched Mariana y, acknowledging herpetence. Mariana’s rendition was impressive, disying the finesse that had brought her this far.


    Then it was Rebekah’s turn. Standing on stage, Rebekah looked visibly nervous. She wasn’t prepared for this piece. Under the audience’s insistent prompting, she hesitantly performed a segment. However, her rendition was riddled with errors, prompting the judge to intervene and halt her performance.


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