Chapter 16 It Was Her

Judy saw Gwyneth sitting in the middle of the panel, her eyes filled with laughter as the latter looked at her. Liam was seated in the guest area. Compared to Judy's surprise, his shock was beyond words. In their three years of marriage, he could not recall a single time when she had practiced the piano.

"Please welcome our next contestant, Judy."

Upon hearing the host's words, Judy's heart trembled. She gritted her teeth, her eyes blazing with anger as she stared at Gwyneth. 'How dare this woman look down on me?' Despite Liam's presence in the guest area, she steeled herself and walked onto the main stage, determined to win his favor during this performance. Hearing the cheers from the audience, Judy forced a smile that looked more painful than tears.

Gwyneth, sitting at the judges' table, could not help but laugh out loud at the scene. As expected, Judy made two mistakes during her performance, and her rhythm was a complete mess. Gwyneth frowned, then spoke softly. "That's enough, Miss Glen. You may stop now."

"What?" The sound of the piano abruptly ceased. Judy stood up, still immersed in her own beautiful piano playing, and Gwyneth's words infuriated her.

"The piece is too technically challenging for you, and you have no sense of rhythm." Gwyneth was not targeting Judy personally, but she felt embarrassed about her performance.

"Gwyneth! On what grounds are you asking me to leave the stage?" Judy's temper flared, and her ears were filled with the audience's laughter. She clenched her fists as her body trembled uncontrollably. "What gives you the right to sit on the judges' panel?"

When Judy's words came out, the audience went wild. It was the first time they had seen someone question a judge.

"Can you believe how bold Judy is? Daring to question a judge?"

"Do you know this judge? I'm not familiar with her. I wonder if she is truly qualified."

"In today's competitions, the judges are not necessarily professionals!"

As the audience's discussions grew louder, opinions shifted, and some even began to doubt Gwyneth's credentials. A triumphant glint flashed in Judy's eyes, convinced that Gwyneth had used some unsavory means to secure her seat at the judges' panel. She eagerly awaited Gwyneth's explanation.

"I agree with this contestant's statement."

Just as everyone was engrossed in the debate, a voice suddenly came from the guest area. Liam sat there calmly, a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

'Like a bad penny, he keeps turning up,' Gwyneth thought, rolling her eyes mercilessly. 'Is he here to back Judy up or something?'

Meanwhile, Judy's heart raced with excitement. She had never expected Liam to defend her in public. But, unfortunately, his words had nothing to do with her.

"Mr. Luther, what do you think?" Liam was a man no one in Hestia dared offend.

"If the contestant doubts the judge's abilities and qualifications, then it's only natural for the judge to prove herself." Liam turned his head to see Gwyneth staring at him with murderous intent, and his smile deepened.

'What is Liam implying?' Gwyneth gritted her teeth, thinking she would find a psychiatrist for this insufferable man once they returned to Appletown.

The audience always enjoyed a good spectacle. Applause suddenly erupted. The host, fearing to offend the financial backer, extended an invitation.

'Fine, I'll have you know.' Gwyneth set down her pen and slowly rose, making her way to the stage from the side. Although a judge, she only applied light makeup and wore a long skirt. Yet, when she reached the center of the stage, the stage lights illuminated her delicate face. No one could look away.

"Please, Miss Glen, step aside."

As Gwyneth brushed past her shoulder, Judy gritted her teeth with resentment. 'I want to see what this woman is truly capable of!' But moments later, she realized she had been wrong.

"This piece, this piece is..."

"This is that wildly popular piano piece that appeared years ago! There are even videos of it online!"

"That's right! The original performer never showed their face, and no one could imitate it!"

"Oh my goodness! We get to see the person behind this piece today! This is so worth it!"

Gwyneth closed her eyes gently onstage, fingers caressing each black and white key. Offstage, in a spot hidden from the audience, a glint flashed in Liam's dark eyes. 'This woman...' He was about to stand up when his phone rang. He intended to hang up, but after glancing at the caller ID, his expression changed, and he ultimately walked to the emergency exit to answer. The caller was none other than the subordinate Liam had sent to investigate the fire years ago.

"Boss, I have found some clues."

"What do you have?" Liam did not realize how tense he was as he asked the question.

"The doctor at the time said the patient's name on the medical record showed obvious signs of being tampered with, and based on the smudging, the patient's name should start with a 'G.'"

Upon hearing this, Liam's heart skipped a beat. The burn on Gwyneth's waist suddenly appeared before him, magnified. In an instant, like a flash of lightning, the memory seared his heart with pain. The person who had selflessly shielded him back then was—