From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace novel Chapter 126

“Okay.”

Laurinda replied, head down as she started to text Jasper. Before she could even hit send, the announcer’s voice filled the hall, calling Jasper’s name.

She looked up at Irvin, her brows knitting together in confusion. “Didn’t they say he was twelfth? Why is he up already?”

“Yeah, how did number twelve turn into number two? I’m going to check what’s going on.”

Irvin pushed to his feet, but Adolphus caught him by the sleeve and tugged him back into his seat.

“Let’s watch his performance first. We can figure things out after.”

While they spoke, Jasper walked onstage from behind the curtains, his confidence obvious in every step. He scanned the audience, spotted Laurinda, and broke into a bright, genuine smile just for her.

Jasper’s piano playing was a triumph. He was the youngest competitor in the lineup, but his talent was unmatched. By the end, the entire hall was on their feet, cheering and clapping for him.

Every judge stood to applaud, except for one woman who stayed seated, her face tight and unhappy.

Adolphus caught Laurinda’s proud expression and leaned over to whisper, “I had no idea he was this good.”

“It’s all thanks to Lea,” Laurinda said, pride warming her voice. “Jasper’s loved music since he was little. He used to beg Lea for piano lessons. We thought it was just a phase, but he really had a gift, so Lea started teaching him herself.”

She listened, heart swelling, as the judges read out their scores. But when the lowest score came up, Laurinda’s brow pinched in frustration. That judge was clearly being unfair.

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