Chapter 63

Nathan's attitude had shifted. Sophia could clearly sense the newfound distance between them.

The unconditional doting she once received now felt like a veil had been drawn over it.

All because she altered a musical score?

Were material possessions truly more precious than two decades of shared history?

The stage lights dimmed at the center.

Adrian cradled his guitar as the final note trembled in the air.

"Thank you, everyone."

When he bowed, his gaze locked onto Sophia in the judges' panel.

This folk ballad had consumed half a year of his life.

He'd traversed northwestern deserts and southern river towns, transforming a wanderer's solitude into melody.

His warm vocals concealed steel-like resilience.

Exclamations of admiration rippled through the judging panel.

"Remarkable talent! This song speaks to every traveler's soul."

"Did you compose both lyrics and music? Your progress is astounding."

"It moved me to tears. Such depth from someone so young."

Adrian offered polite smiles, but his eyes never left Sophia.

His peach-blossom gaze shimmered with flecks of light.

Sophia's crimson lips curved upward.

"Emotionally rich, rhythmically compelling. Your performance perfectly captured the song's essence."

Adrian's eyes instantly brightened.

"Really? Thank you, Composer T!"

He beamed like a child receiving candy.

Live comments flooded the stream.

[OMG! Adrian's ears turned red!]

[That's Composer T! His idol!]

[Their chemistry is off the charts!]

[Can't stop screenshotting this perfection]

In the penthouse of Valdemar Tower, Ethan gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles whitening.

Three years together, yet he'd never known the woman who shared his bed was a music legend.

Nor that she carried Lowell blood.

If only he'd discovered sooner...

He snatched his suit jacket with sudden violence.

The elevator mirrors reflected his stormy expression during the descent.