The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 228

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, her face serious. “Hi, I’m Charlotte.”

That was it?

Laura stared, completely thrown off. All her years playing piano, and she had never met anyone quite this impossible to read.

The performance was about to start, so Laura let it go for now. She lowered her voice, gentle and sincere. “Alright, just think about it. I really do believe you’d make a wonderful student.”

“Okay.” Charlotte gave her a knowing little smile, then turned her attention to the stage.

Kenneth was up there, wearing a crisp white shirt and black pants. He sat sideways on a tall stool, guitar in hand. Under the warm lights, his features looked even sharper and more handsome than usual.

Screams erupted around the hall.

“Oh my god, Kenneth is so hot!”

“Kenneth!”

“Seriously, how can anyone survive looking at him all day?”

The crowd was wild for him. Charlotte winced at the volume, her ears practically ringing, but she couldn’t help sneaking another look at him. Honestly, he actually looked put together today, almost like a normal person.

The lights dimmed, leaving just a single soft, golden spotlight on Kenneth. It lit him up like he was the only person in the world. His voice, deep and a little rough, rolled out over the audience, catching everyone’s attention in an instant.

But there was something different about him tonight. Kenneth usually sang with his eyes closed, completely absorbed in the music. Tonight, though, he kept his eyes open, glancing now and then into the crowd, his gaze landing somewhere specific. Every time, his eyes softened, turning unbelievably gentle.

Kenneth stepped offstage, and the real competition began. Ten contestants drew lots for the order. Olivia picked number eight.

The early performers finished, their scores all bunched together, none of them even matching the lowest score Olivia had gotten in the semifinals.

Olivia’s confidence soared. She could barely hide her smirk. This was her moment—she was sure of it.

“Number eight, Olivia! She’ll be performing her original piece, Light,” the host announced.

Dressed in a lavish gown she’d rented for a small fortune, Olivia lifted her chin high and walked out like she owned the place. She held her skirt and bowed gracefully, the picture of elegance.

As the first notes played, Charlotte’s eyes turned cold for a split second, and a faint, mocking smile appeared on her lips.