Subconsciously, her gaze drifted towards the auditorium. The two hundred VIP seats were filled to capacity, but she couldn't locate the familiar face she sought among Zaria and others.

He hadn't show up. Though she knew it was the Logical outcome, she couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment and sadness.

Her melancholy was soon shattered by the director's instructions.

It was time to take the stage. This performance would include a secret gift from Mathews' fans, something that hadn't been part of the afternoon's rehearsal. Claudia was handed this unexpected task at the Last minute.

Fortunately, she remembered the route to the piano from the rehearsal, and even with the unforeseen change, she remained composed and ready.