Cara, with her passion for the Ancient Zither performance echoing in her heart, bubbled with anticipation and excitement.

Her heart raced, eager to soak in every note that Maria would play.

She yearned to hear the untouched, authentic essence of Maria's composition.

“Oh, seriously?" Clare's voice dripped with venomous sarcasm, a sneer painted across her face.

“You can play it? Are you even in your right mind?"

Clare's voice pierced the air, its sharpness evident. Her finger gestured dramatically to her opulent Ancient Zither, whose price rivaled the cost of a small house.

"Show me then! Even I, the champion of the youth group in the national competition regarding the Ancient Zither, get vertigo from merely glancing at that score. Let's see how you dare to interpret"

Clare had lost count of the number of times she'd flaunted her illustrious title as the champion.

She had deliberately harped on about it, thinking it was paramount to establishing her superiority.

This, she believed, was the only way to underscore that Maria was nothing but a boisterous fool. How could Maria be that foolish enough to even think of portraying herself as an artist in the Ancient Zither performance?

Maria cast her eyes on the ornate Ancient Zither and gave a dismissive shake of her head.

“What's the matter? Scared? Or are you admitting to being nothing but hot air?" Clare's heart swelled with triumph, thinking she had unmasked Maria's farce then and there.

“I won't play on your instrument. Because I know you'll claim I succeed due to the Ancient Zither's magic and not my talent."

Maria's retort rang true, echoing Clare's typical antics. The audience nodded in agreement, sensing the truth in her words.

Just then, Atwood chimed in, "No worries. Our sponsor has a backup Ancient Zither backstage. It might not shimmer with wealth like Clare's, but it's perfect for a true artist's performance."

"Could I possibly use it, Mr. Clarkson?" Maria's voice was a tranquil pool amidst the growing storm.

Without missing a beat, Cara and the crew sprang into action, arranging the Ancient Zither, its stand, and a chair on center stage.

“Oh, look at you!" Doubt clouded Clare's eyes.

Clare folded her arms, tilting her chin up, fully expecting to witness a debacle.

“Madam... Would you like me to assist with page-turning?" Cara's voice treaded lightly, Like someone walking on a frozen pond.

The score was a labyrinth of notes, a challenge even for seasoned artists.

Cara, ever the prepared soul, had her tablet out with the score enlarged for clarity.

She was thinking that she could turn the page for Maria during the performance.

"You're truly sweet, Cara. Just call me Maria," Maria said with a warm smile.