"It's got to be Maria pulling strings, keeping the organizers from calling me, maybe even convincing them to find a replacement for me,"

Clare murmured to herself with growing unease.

These thoughts left Clare with a mounting sense of anxiety.

The prospect of them securing a replacement was a substantial blow to her.

Clare reassured herself, “No, that's impossible. There are hardly any Ancient Zither performers in the country, and Maria couldn't make time for the concert. Even if they find a willing performer, the official performance will be held in just two days, It's too late to master the music score."