Chapter: 1219

The organizer, apologetic yet deferential, explained, “It's our mistake. The third contestant had an emergency and had to be delayed, so we need Nora to perform earlier."

Amy was a stickler for the rules, holding a firm belief that they served as the best form of control.

Since she was first made aware of the initial plan, she had been adamant that there should be no deviations.

"Nora is backstage now. We need assistance, or the audience..."

Nora grasped Amy's wrist gently and reassured her, “Let it go, Amy. It's really not a big deal. I'll take the stage soon enough."

It was just a minor adjustment in the sequence of performances. To Nora, going on a bit earlier didn't seem troublesome.

With a hesitant mutter, Amy followed Nora's lead.

"You are just too accommodating. Originally, you were set to be fourth, but now..."

Interrupting her, Nora smiled, "Amy, trust me, it's completely fine."

Today, Nora donned a long, dark purple dress, adorned with sparkling gemstones at its hem that shimmered under the stage lights.

She was slender and tall, radiating a formidable presence.

Her hair was done up in elaborate braids, and she sported a dainty crown adorned with purple gems.

The mask she wore had been changed; it was now a dark gold with intricate dark purple patterns woven throughout. The complex, ornate carvings on the mask bestowed upon her a regal and enigmatic allure.

Amy gazed at Nora, struck by her grace and beauty. A wave of pity washed over her as she thought about the scar concealed beneath the elegant mask, wondering if modern medicine could ever heal such a scar.

Moreover, Amy wished that her boss could witness Nora's performance and experience her charisma firsthand.

“Amy, I'm heading to the competition now. Please keep my phone. If my fiancé messages, tell him I've moved up my performance," Nora said as she handed her phone to Amy and gracefully ascended the stage, her dress billowing slightly.

Under the watchful eyes of the audience, she approached the piano with poise and sat down.

The crowd, including Sean and others, watched in awe.

“Oh my God! Norah is truly the most beautiful person in the world. Even behind a mask, she outshines everyone!" Joanna exclaimed, unable to stop snapping photos.

Susanna agreed, mirroring Joanna's actions. The two of them, posing alike, enthusiastically captured every moment of Nora on stage, their admiration palpable like that of devoted fans.

“For the first time, I really see the beauty in the piano," Susanna said, her voice tinged with a new-found appreciation.

She had grown up with the knowledge that her mother was an exceptional pianist, having embraced the instrument since her own childhood. However, her own engagement with the piano had always felt obligatory, lacking the inherent passion her mother exhibited.

As time progressed, her interests had veered towards design, much to her mother's dismay.

Sean, sitting beside her, was once again struck by Nora's beauty.