The Coma Prince’s Fiancée novel Chapter 188

"Paulina, 'Clear Wind Prelude' is far from a gentle piece," one of the judges warned kindly, worried she had bitten off more than she could chew in her drive to win. "The vocal range spans dramatically, and the techniques required are incredibly complex. It's a grueling test of a musician's foundation. Are you absolutely certain you want to perform it?"

Lily immediately bristled at the slight against her favorite student. "Paulina is the most musically gifted student at Vantage Point. Her rendition of 'Mist' was absolutely stunning and made her our only student to qualify for The Grand Resonance. Her talent is undeniable. Please don't underestimate her, Professor."

"I'm not underestimating her; the piece is just notoriously difficult."

"You can't judge Paulina by the standards of ordinary students. She isn't a cheating fraud like Gavin. Instead of worrying if she can handle the piece, you should probably worry if her flawless performance is going to absolutely crush the morale of the student going after her."

Lily had kept her mouth firmly shut during the plagiarism blowout, terrified the crossfire would hit her. But now, seeing her star pupil go head-to-head against a supposed academic failure like Rebecca—and getting to perform right before her—Lily's innate sense of superiority flared back to life.

She shot a pointed, mocking look toward the back of the room. "After all, some students get a tiny drop of talent and let it go straight to their heads, acting so arrogant they think they can trample over Vantage Point's true prodigies. If you ask me, those are the students who need a reality check, before they ruin the university's reputation."

Wade Lane scowled. He couldn't fathom why Lily had such a vendetta against his girl, who was always polite, well-mannered, and never started trouble.

"Ms. Lily, that is not your concern. Check your attitude, and stop meddling in matters that do not involve you."

Lily's smugness shattered instantly. She offered a stiff, awkward smile and clamped her mouth shut.

Sitting nearby, Jack Morgan had heard Garnett talk about Rebecca for days, but he hadn't had the chance to officially meet her. Seeing her now, he was genuinely surprised.

She looked much younger than he expected, yet her gaze carried a chilling detachment far beyond her years.

Yes, detachment. She seemed casual, laid-back, and easy to talk to, but her eyes held a profound stillness. It was the look of someone who had navigated the extreme highs and brutal lows of the world and come out the other side entirely unfazed.

That kind of heavy, settling aura simply shouldn't exist on a girl her age.

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