The show had ended, but the tension hadn't.
Everyone gathered in the regal auditorium, students murmuring and jostling for a view as the panel of five esteemed judges—renowned artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs—stepped forward to announce the winners.
"And now," the head judge began, voice echoing across the hall, "the moment you've all been waiting for."
The screen behind them flashed to life.
Third Place: Cassia Laurent – Contemporary Dance.
Polite applause echoed. Cassia waved bashfully.
Second Place: Zayn Alderidge – Electric Guitar Solo.
The crowd roared louder. Zayn walked up with his signature smirk and shrugged like it was no big deal. But his eyes kept glancing toward Xavier.
"And for First Place…" the judge paused dramatically. "A piece that left us in awe—not just for its technique but for the emotion, the message, the raw brilliance—"
Liana closed her eyes.
"Liana Hart – Live Art: From the Ashes."
The room erupted.
People turned in their seats. Applause surged like a wave. Liana stood frozen, as if her brain hadn't caught up with reality. Bianca shoved her gently. "Go!"
She walked forward slowly, hands trembling, and took the golden plaque from the judge. Cameras flashed. Reporters took notes. The panel smiled, one of them saying, "You're going places, Miss Hart."
She bowed politely, fighting back tears.
But not everyone smiled.
Xavier stood still, his expression unreadable. And in the corner, Bianca clapped too—but slower, stiffer.
The applause faded.
And then the whispers began again.
"She's just a scholarship girl…"
"How could she win over Zayn?"
"Must've been rigged…"
Liana heard them, but she didn't shrink this time.
She stood tall.
Until she got backstage.
There, in the hallway, she found herself suddenly surrounded—Zayn, Adrien, and Ralph blocking her path. And in the middle, like a king among wolves, was Xavier.
He stepped forward slowly. His voice low. "That was... impressive."
Liana narrowed her eyes. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
Zayn crossed his arms. "You beat me. I don't like that."
Adrien raised a brow. "Neither does most of the school."
Ralph added coldly, "Better watch your back, Hart."
Liana's spine stiffened. "Is that a threat?"
"No," Xavier said. "It's a fact."
She stared at him, furious. "You're unbelievable."
Xavier tilted his head. "And yet, you keep winning."
She pushed past them, brushing Xavier's shoulder as she did.
Bianca appeared a moment later. "What did they say?"
Liana didn't answer.
Because for the first time—she wasn't just the girl who had to prove herself.
Now, she was the girl who had won.
And in Regal Heights… that could be more dangerous than losing.