Theodore Whitmore studied Amy Sinclair with newfound interest, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Quite the bold claim you're making. From what I've heard, Victoria Langley isn't someone to underestimate in the academic world."

Samantha Reynolds flashed Theodore a conspiratorial grin. "Just you wait—Celeste is going to make Victoria eat her words. This will be a humiliation she won't soon forget!"

The older man's grin widened, his excitement palpable. "Now that's the kind of entertainment I live for—nothing beats a good old-fashioned showdown!"

As they whispered animatedly, already imagining Victoria's impending downfall, Amy could only shake her head in quiet amusement. Despite his advanced years, Theodore possessed the mischievous spirit of a schoolboy.

Shortly after, an assistant approached to inform Amy and Oliver Kingsley it was time to prepare.

Notably absent were Alexander Blackwood, Nathan Prescott, or any of their usual troublemakers. The unusual smoothness of everything felt almost unsettling—like the deceptive calm before a hurricane.

Even Oliver seemed unnerved by the lack of interference. Backstage, he glanced around nervously before whispering, "Amy, why aren't they here causing problems today?"

Amy adjusted her collar with a shrug. "They probably think they've already won."

Victoria and her circle likely dismissed Amy as no real threat, given her lack of prestigious education credentials.

Soon, their names were called.

As the stage lights illuminated them, Margaret Blackwood scoffed loudly from her front-row seat.

"Look at her putting on airs. That woman barely finished secondary school and only wormed her way into our family because of that child. Now she's using the Blackwood name to climb social ladders. Absolutely shameless."

Charlotte Blackwood leaned over urgently. "Mother, Liam is right here. Must you?"

Margaret remained unmoved. "Am I lying? If she had any real talent, would Liam need to bring in outside help? She's nothing but an embarrassment to the Blackwood legacy."

Charlotte shot Liam an apologetic glance while desperately signaling her mother with widened eyes. "Mother, please!"

Sensing the tension, Victoria smoothly interjected, "Margaret, the performance is starting. Shall we focus?"

With visible reluctance, Margaret fell silent.

Onstage, Amy and Oliver's performance began.

Amy was radiant under the lights, her voice crystalline and pure, her movements elegant yet powerful. She commanded the stage effortlessly, breathing new life into the tired auditorium with her vibrant energy that demanded attention.

Her enunciation was impeccable, each word delivered with perfect clarity—she was performing at her absolute peak.

Oliver matched her perfectly, his delivery brimming with emotion that brought his character vividly to life. The judges exchanged impressed nods during his segments.

As their final notes faded, thunderous applause erupted through the venue.

Nathan Prescott sneered from his seat. "She probably just memorized it phonetically. Doubt she understands a word she's saying."

Margaret added with derision, "The standards for this competition must be abysmal. People who cheat their way to the top shouldn't be allowed to perform—they degrade the entire event."

Then came the judges' scores.

One perfect score after another appeared—until the final judge raised a shocking zero.