Chapter 102
Chapter 100
The underlying message was elegantly clear: she belonged to a world of privilege and was cherished without reserve.
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The students responded with smiling nods and murmurs of admiration, while the live chat filled with fervent praise from Nicole’s fans.
They eagerly reminded other viewers that the Hammonds were genuine old–money aristocracy, emphasizing the family’s deep legacy and the formidable influence of Hammond Group.
Nicole, they declared, was the living embodiment of that legacy, a treasured princess whose life was the very definition of being loved and lavished upon.
All of this served Nicole’s underlying purpose for today’s performance.
With Alicia’s departure from Starlight Entertainment to Lucent Media, she had effectively freed herself from the narrative control and public relations machinery that had previously constrained her.
As long as Alicia remained in the entertainment industry, their paths were bound to intersect, and their true identities would eventually become public knowledge.
Nicole was convinced that Alicia was quietly preparing a significant move against her, and she had been meticulously planning her own response.
Beyond showcasing her musical versatility, today’s display was carefully designed to reinforce her image as the beloved favorite of the Hammond family.
Even if Alicia were the biological daughter, Leo had never gone to such lengths for her, buying a historic piano at auction overseas, for instance.
Nicole, though a stepdaughter, was the one publicly recognized and celebrated.
The fact that she, not the biological child, received such visible affection was meant to inspire envy and admiration from onlookers while simultaneously unsettling Alicia.
After demonstrating each instrument, Nicole decided to incorporate the flute into her upcoming song.
The visual of her playing it while dancing on stage, she believed, would create a memorable performance.
The trainees, as expected, offered their unanimous approval.
Elsewhere, in another practice room, almost coincidentally at the same time, Sean and his team had just finished rearranging their song and were discussing adding instrumental layers.
Let’s experiment with blending in different instruments,” Sean suggested, looking around. “We could try bowed lyre, harp, flute, guitar, bass, drums. See what complements the track best p>
He then asked, “Who here plays any of these p>
Several hands went up. “I play electric guitar p>
“I’m on bass p>
“I can handle drums. ”
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ppp.
Darren also raised his hand. “I play guitar, and I know a bit of drums, too p>
After everyone had spoken, the team’s attention turned naturally to Alicia.
She smiled easily. “I can play all of those. Just point me where you need me p>
A soft chorus of impressed murmurs and a few audible “wows” filled the room.
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Sean grinned, looking relieved. “Ms. Delaney, would you mind taking the lead on the classical instrument arrangements. hen p>
Glad to,” Alicia replied with a nod.
The team submitted their requested instruments to the production group, who promptly fulfilled the order.
Sean then assigned each instrument to the members who could play them, and the rehearsal began in earnest.
One by one, they listened as Alicia moved between the harp, the flute, and the bowed lyre.
The production group had also supplied a cimbalom and a mandolin, which she fluidly incorporated into the arrangement it the team’s request, testing how each instrument blended with the song.
t quickly became evident that Alicia was not merely familiar with these instruments. She possessed a notable degree of skill.
Curiosity piqued, the team asked her to demonstrate the electric guitar, bass, and drums as well, which she did with equal
case.
Alicia is seriously impressive p>
I had no idea she was this capable with instruments, not just singing and dancing p>
She’s skilled in both classical and modern instruments. How is she this versatile p>
And she’s genuinely proficient in all of them p>
Is there anything Alicia can’t do p>
Funny. Nicole is also showcasing instruments right now. Both rooms synced up p>
Though Alicia’s doing it because the team needed it. Nicole seemed to plan hers out, complete with a whole narrative]
She’s not just showing off instruments. It’s more about flaunting her wealthy family, the doting dad and brothers, that whole look how privileged I am” vibe p>
Right she didn’t even use the show’s instruments. Had to have the family butler deliver her own]
And the drama queen next door change tactics?
[First, she’s all about being professional and responsible, and now it’s just showing off
[Maybe this is closer to who she really is
While dedicated fans tended to stay within their favorite contestant’s livestream, general viewers often moved between all
four rooms.
Those who switched from the first stream to the fourth noticed Alicia also performing with instruments and couldn’t help
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but draw comparisons.
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The response was telling: viewers perceived Alicia’s demonstration as organic and skill–based, eliciting admiration.
In contrast, Nicole’s carefully staged showcase, which emphasized familial wealth over musical talent, was met with considerably more skepticism.
Moreover, on a purely technical level, Alicia’s command of both classical and contemporary instruments clearly surpassed Nicole’s more limited repertoire.
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