Chapter 363: Chapter 363: What’s the hidden truth behind all of this?

Translator: 549690339

Zara Woods was certain that she was the only one who truly understood Caleb Mamet; it was time for her to step up and show her concern for him, so that he would know her affections.

With this in mind, Zara gently began, “Xaviera, don’t blame Caleb; perhaps his standards are just too high. Mr. Martin and I both think you played very well. As long as you practice diligently, sooner or later you’ll catch Caleb’s eye.”

Zara secretly smirked with satisfaction, “Caleb and I grew up together, and I understand him very well. He’s quite picky about things and people. Even with such a perfect piece, it’s not directed at you; it’s just that his expectations are too high. And although you are his wife, you can’t expect him to change for you. You just need to get used to it.”

Everyone gasped.

If this was true, then it would seem that Mr. Caleb Mamet didn’t actually like Xaviera Evans, and even somewhat despised her. Otherwise, how could such a beautiful piece of music not satisfy him?

Xenia Jaak couldn’t take it anymore, “Caleb—”

Before she could even finish speaking, Caleb calmly looked up with disdain and mockery in his eyes, glancing at Zara Woods. He chuckled softly, “Xaviera, did I say your performance was average? Are you mad at me?”

Caleb’s voice was gentle but authoritative, everyone could hear the indulgence in his tone, especially the tenderness and affection in the word ‘Xaviera,’ leaving everyone dumbstruck.

Zara’s heart skipped a beat in disbelief. Impossible! Caleb was clearly on her side. How could he be so gentle to Xaviera? It must be a facade!

He had just said himself that Xaviera’s performance was average, which meant he must have liked her own performance better.

But, but… why was she still so nervous? Her heartbeat seemed to have missed a beat.

With magnetic warmth, Caleb Mamet spoke deliberately, “I saw the International Violin Competition three years ago. Xaviera, you played only half as well as you did back then, so I can only say it was average.”

Everyone was stunned, and then they were overwhelmed by the surprising revelation!

—Mr. Caleb Mamet said this performance was only half as good as the one three years ago?

—This performance had already left them enraptured… how breathtaking must the one three years ago have been?

“Miss Evans said she hasn’t played the violin in three years, so her skills have declined. It seems she wasn’t lying!”

“It’s not a problem. After all, Mr. Caleb Mamet heard Miss Evans’ performance back then, so of course he would find her current performance average. It’s normal for her to have regressed some since she hasn’t practiced for three years.”

“Mr. Caleb Mamet has high standards, but we all think this performance was perfect!”

“Miss Woods was the champion back then, but she’s been practicing all these years and she’s still not as good as Miss Evans, who hasn’t played for three years. How embarrassing! And she still has the audacity to mock someone else?”

“Wait!”

At that moment, an idea struck Xenia Jaak like lightning. She didn’t even stop to think—she blurted out, “That’s not right! If Xaviera can outperform Zara Woods even after not practicing for three years, why did Xaviera not even make it to the finals back then, while Zara won the championship?”

Huh? That’s a good point.

Something was strange!

Everyone looked at Xenia, her face full of anger, “According to Mr. Caleb Mamet, Xaviera performed even better three years ago, so why didn’t she make it to the finals!”

“Zara Woods practiced for so long and still couldn’t outperform a rusty Xaviera, yet she won the championship back then! What’s the hidden story here?”

Zara Woods went deathly pale, as if struck by lightning.

Xenia’s words had completely awakened everyone; no wonder they felt something was off listening to Xaviera’s performance earlier! So that’s what it was!

“Exactly! Miss Woods’ violin skills were probably worse back then, yet Miss Evans couldn’t even get into the finals despite her incredible talent that Mr. Caleb Mamet is endlessly praising. Why didn’t Miss Evans make it to the finals?”

“Who were the judges for the semifinals?”

“I remember the person who had veto power and could decide the advancement of the contestants was…Maxwellx Martin!”