Married by Accident, Taming the Billionaire

Chapter 433

Chapter 433 Never Let Him Qualify for the Competition

“We can go to the venue now! Let’s go!” Cynthia urged everyone to go to their seats in the audience area. Cecelia went out with the group and encountered the Shawns in the corridor: Roger with his wife Winnie and their son Hubert, along with Moore, Ivone, and Camelia. Hubert, also one of the competitors, looked dashing in his little suit. “Captain Shawn!” On the way here, Cecelia had chatted with Roger on the phone, and they now met. “You’re also here, Mr. Nelson!” Roger greeted them. In order to watch his son’s competition, as soon as he returned from his case investigation, he hurried over with his family. Meeting Cecelia again, Winnie said to her warmly, “We meet again, Cecelia. Today, both my son Hubert and your son Andre are going to perform in the competition. What a coincidence!” If it were in the past, Winnie would probably challenge Cecelia to a competition again. But now, she thought it was great that the children from the two families could be in the same event. “Yes. Hubert is really versatile!” Cecelia nodded and praised Hubert. Hubert said politely, “Thank you, Ms. Linsey.” While the two parties were exchanging pleasantries, Camelia watched quietly. She really couldn’t figure out why her sister-in-law was now so nice to Cecelia but became estranged from her. Whatever the reason, she couldn’t let Andres beat her nephew. Her nephew must be the champion today! “Winnie, let’s take Hubert backstage to get ready.” Disapproving of Cecelia’s demeanor, which she interpreted as arrogant, Camelia led Hubert backstage first.

“Let’s go to the venue to watch the competition. When the competition is over, we can have dinner together,” Winnie said, beaming. Then they went to the venue together. In the backstage area, all the participants were getting ready. After a few rounds of selection and elimination, now only 24 competitors were left to compete for tonight’s championship. Every young player was a testament to their strength. Now they were waiting, accompanied by their teachers and leaders. Camelia and the responsible teacher took Hubert backstage. When he saw Andres, he immediately went over to play with him. After a glance at the child of the Nelson family, Camelia asked the teacher to keep an eye on Hubert and went to the judges. When she came to their lounge, she saw Petunia. She knew Petunia was one of the judges. Petunia had a long and distinguished record of success in piano, so she was invited to be a judge for the final. “Miss Taylor!” “Camelia?” Petunia was surprised to see Camelia. “Miss Taylor, can I talk to you for a moment?” The two of them came to a quiet place. Petunia had generally guessed her aim. She said, “I think you know the rules of the competition. A judge must be fair and just. I won’t give your nephew a high score if he doesn’t deserve it!” “I know! I’m not worried about Hubert’s skills. I just want to tell you Cecelia’s son is also in the competition. Do you know that?” “Humph, of course, I know!” “The woman also came, and I met her in the corridor. She’s so haughty now! If her son gets the award, I guess she’ll be like a proud rooster.” Then she spoke of her request, “Please do me this one favor. Never let her son qualify for the competition!”

Petunia was silent for a moment before saying with a smile, “I know what you’re thinking. How could I give her son a high score? Don’t worry! I’m not going to give him a high score even without you saying this!” “That’s great! I’m relieved!” Camelia nodded. After telling her request, she immediately left. The final started, and the host came to the stage. In the private room on the second floor, the Nelsons were watching the competition. Their room was right opposite the stage, giving them the best view. “It’s on! It’s on! My nephew is the best!” Cynthia was excited. She was happy Shepard could ask for leave to watch the competition with her. The children were all leaning over the balustrade, watching the stage. Cecelia thought of something and asked, “Why didn’t Doris participate in the piano competition?” She knew that the Taylor family had been training Doris to play the piano since she was young and that the girl played very well. But she was not in this competition. Instead, Andres, who had not practiced that much, appeared in the competition. This made her so surprised. “Because I didn’t want to be in the competition, mommy!” Doris turned around and explained herself, “I don’t like playing the piano!” Having been forced to learn piano in the Taylors’ home since she was very young, she hated it very much. Therefore, even if she played very well, she didn’t want to participate. Cecelia learned why and respected the children’s choice of hobbies. From now on, she wouldn’t force them to do the things they didn’t like. After the host gave the opening remarks, the five judges came to the stage. As each one of them appeared, the host would introduce their qualifications. These judges were all musicians with great achievements in music. When the host was introducing Petunia, saying that she used to be the champion of the National Piano Competition two consecutive times, Cecelia looked at the stage. A figure came out of the portal briskly. Surely, it was Petunia.

Finding that Petunia was a judge, Cecelia subconsciously knitted her eyebrows. She was a judge? “It’s Aunt Petunia!” Seeing Petunia, Doris waved her hand excitedly. Petunia waved to the audience and then took her seat at the judges’ table. With all the judges in place, the first player came to the stage to perform. The order of performance was decided by a random draw among the players. Hubert drew No. 20, while Andres drew No. 23. Then, they would have to wait a long time before they could watch the two children perform. The No. 1 player came onto the stage. Maybe because he was too nervous, he didn’t start even after a long time had passed. In the end, with his teacher’s reminder from the audience, he finally found himself. After the No. 1 player ended his performance, the No. 2 player, the No. 3 player, and the rest began to play in order. Many different pieces of piano music reverberated in the performance hall of the art center. No doubt, they were all outstanding players from all over the country. Each child performed with very good skills, and it was hard for an ordinary person to judge their differences in skill. At this point, it was necessary for professional judges to make a distinction and give a grade. The applause erupted again and again. Finally, Hurbert, the No. 20 player, came to the stage. He looked gentle and graceful. When he appeared on the stage, he bowed and then walked to the piano stool to perform. He deserved to be called the top prodigy in the Center City. His piano piece was melodious, and he looked confident. From beginning to end, his performance was infectious. Arguably, he pushed this final to a high point. After his performance ended, the audience applauded for a long time. His performance was perfect, and the judges gave him their scores, the highest among the others before him.

After watching his performance, the Shawns all felt proud and happy. Hubert was the pride of their family. When two more players had finished their performances, the No. 23 player came onto the stage. The Nelsons became excited. Cynthia rubbed her hands and said, “Finally, it’s my nephew’s turn!”