chapter481

Ever since Richie started teaching Lucinda, she'd always been the picture of good behavior around him. She listened, followed instructions, and kept her head down. Whatever gossip people whispered outside, he never paid it any attention. He was just her piano mentor, nothing more.

He didn't expect her to get so full of herself after just a little bit of success.

Lucinda, Richie said quietly, "the deepest oceans don't make a sound. Do you get what I mean?"

Lucinda's head dropped in embarrassment. Her fingers fidgeted with her dress, just like a kid caught doing something wrong. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely more than a whisper. "I'm sorry. It's my fault. I shouldn't have gotten so cocky just because things are going well."

A few minutes earlier, Richie had been proud of how she played on stage. Now, he felt let down.

"I'm glad that you got it," he said. "Keep your focus for the next rounds. My own mentor is here tonight too. She's in the audience. Don't let her down."

Lucinda's eyes snapped up, her whole face lighting up with surprise. She couldn't help but blurt out, louder than before, "Wait, Melody Mastro is here?"

Richie nodded. "She keeps things private, so nobody knows, but she's out there watching."

He wanted her to understand. If Melody Mastro, the world-renowned pianist, could stay humble, why should a newcomer like Lucinda start acting superior just because she stepped onto the international stage?

Lucinda got the message. She dropped her gaze again. "I understand. I'll remember what you said and give it my all in the competition.

Richie gave her a nod. "Good. Go get some rest."

As Richie walked away, Lucinda turned and shot Grace a look full of blame. "Grace, you really need to watch what you say in public. Thank goodness Richie didn't take it to heart this time. If I actually made him mad, he'd never introduce me to Melody Mastro."

She'd been hoping to take home the championship, then ask Richie to set up a meeting with Melody Mastro. Melody was practically a legend, someone even Lucinda couldn't help but admire.

Grace realized she'd made a mistake and rushed to apologize. "I'm so sorry, Lucinda. I just blurted it.

without thinking. I'll be carefu

time."

next

Not long after, the second round of the competition started.

Everyone was watching Lucinda now, expecting something amazing after her

standout performance in round one.

She didn't disappoint. Her next piece left the whole hall in awe, outshining even the previous first-place contender.

This time, she played a piece Richie had helped her refine. After Melody Mastro gave her feedback on one of her songs, Lucinda had begged

Richie to help her with anothe

She'd planned it all along. use her own work for round one to get through, Richie's guidance for round two, and, for the grand finale, the showstopper Melody had helped her perfect.

She wanted each round to be better

than the fast. She wanted to leave

the judges and audience stunned, ter

make sure everyone remembered

her name.

The crowd exploded in applause, judges included.

This was absolutely beautiful!

Cameron and Kylie were grinning from ear to ear.

"Lucinda's incredible. She's in first place now."

"I know, right? I haven't heard her play in ages. I can't believe how much she's improved."

Lydia just smiled, a little amused. The second piece really was more impressive than the first. Richie really did value his student a lot.

On the other side of Connor, Chris looked surprised too. He mumbled under his breath, "Who knew Lucinda had it in her?"