Cara's voice was filled with awe and admiration, as she couldn't help but applaud enthusiastically. Her words carried a genuine appreciation for the performance that had just unfolded before her.

In a beautiful display of camaraderie, Atwood and all the members of the band joined in applauding for Maria.

At that very moment, a shared feeling of admiration and awe enveloped everyone in the room, uniting them in their appreciation for Maria.

The conviction that Maria was a true master in the art of Ancient Zither performance permeated the room, Leaving no doubt in anyone's mind. The audience and fellow musicians exchanged knowing glances, their expressions filled with a profound sense of awe and admiration.

Among the sea of applause and beaming faces, there was one person who stood out by not joining in the ovation. Her face, etched with a deep gloom, seemed to reflect disappointment.

As the realization dawned upon Atwood that Clare was unwilling to accept defeat, he couldn't help but voice his reproach.

"What do you think now, Clare?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and gentle admonishment. ‘'Now you know that there is always someone better than you, right? You'd better be modest from now on."

As a senior in the music industry, it was rare for Atwood to adopt such a serious tone when addressing someone from the younger generation.

Recognizing that Clare had crossed a line, Atwood felt compelled to take the initiative and scold her, a departure from his usual approach.

In contrast to Clare's arrogant attitude, Atwood's tone remained relatively mild. While he felt the need to deal with Clare's behavior,

Atwood chose not to escalate the situation further with harsh words.

Having expressed his disapproval, Atwood patiently waited for a response from Clare, hoping that his words would prompt reflection and a recognition of the mistakes made. However, Clare showed no signs of introspection or remorse.

Atwood couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment and frustration.

Atwood's expression turned solemn, and his tone grew even more serious. With a hint of exasperation, he confronted Clare directly, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

"You still haven't realized how ridiculous you are, Clare? If it weren't for the fact that Maria was too busy to perform on the stage, you wouldn't have the chance to play the solo now. You should be grateful!"

The reminder of Clare's reliance on external circumstances to secure the solo only fueled her frustration.

Clare's eyes burned with a deep-seated hatred as she directed her gaze toward Atwood. However, she didn't stare at Atwood for too long, her eyes darting away intermittently to avoid confrontation. Instead, she scanned the room, her gaze shifting from person to person, until her eyes settled on Maria.

“I see... You have worked together to alienate me, huh? Fine! I'11 make it easy for you. I will no longer perform at the concert. Find someone else to play the Ancient Zither!'' Her words echoed through the theater, a defiant proclamation that left no room for negotiation.

Clare announced her withdrawal. Without a second glance, she swiftly turned around and stormed out of the theater, her departure marked by a mix of defiance and hurt.

Clare's reaction caught everyone off guard, surpassing their expectations.

With the formal performance just around the corner, Clare's sudden announcement of quitting sent shockwaves. Her decision was considered highly unprofessional and rare in any professional setting. The consequences of her decision, if discovered by others, could be severe. Clare risked being permanently banned from future opportunities and tarnishing her reputation within the industry.

"Well..." Atwood, too, was taken aback by Clare's sudden decision to quit following a few criticisms.

"Alas!" Filled with anger and frustration, Atwood stormed off the stage, his footsteps echoing with each furious step. However, in his haste, he accidentally bumped into Cara.

Caught off guard, Cara stumbled and lost her grip on the canvas bag she was carrying. The bag slipped from her grasp, her music scores scattering in all directions.