Chapter 244 Let Catherine Perform
Lyra's face turned pale with embarrassment. "My family didn't come to see me off because I'm independent. I have my own thoughts and personality. I'm not just an extension of them!"
Alkaid laughed, covering her mouth. "You should ditch design and head to the philosophy department with that kind of argument. The Windsor Family makes a big deal out of sending their kids to school because they care about their daughter."
Lyra thought the Windsor Family's behavior was ridiculous. Alkaid's teasing made her scowl. She huffed and snapped, "Even if you defend the Windsor Family, they won't appreciate it."
To Lyra, Alkaid and the classmates who supported Catherine were just suck-ups, only interested in the Windsor Family's status.
'Richard is different from these Windsor Family people! Otherwise, why didn't he come today? He must think this whole thing is embarrassing too!' Lyra thought.
In front of the auditorium, Franklin warmly shook Marcus's hand. "Mr. Windsor, long time no see. Come, have a seat over here."
Marcus smiled calmly. "I'm just here to drop my kid off at school. Doesn't matter where I sit."
Franklin glanced at Catherine standing next to Marcus.
Catherine stood tall and graceful in a simple white dress that still had a student vibe. She held a long coat in her arms, her hair styled with soft curls falling by her temples, making her look both cute and strikingly beautiful.
Her youthful, understated outfit contrasted with her cool, ethereal vibe, making it hard for people to look away!
That face reminded Franklin of someone from his past. "Catherine, welcome to the Imperial University design department. I'm looking forward to seeing your work."
"Thank you."
Franklin smiled, then took the stage as the host introduced him.
All the lights focused on Franklin. Many notable alumni attended the Imperial University's opening ceremony, and the whole auditorium buzzed with excitement as Franklin gave his passionate speech.
Catherine commented dryly, "He has great public speaking abilities."
From his tone, it was easy to pick up on Franklin's personality.
His eloquence moved many alumni and students to tears. Even Juniper was super excited and agreed wholeheartedly!
Only Emilia yawned repeatedly, her head nodding until she fell asleep on Catherine's shoulder!
Franklin glanced at the audience. "We have a special treat for you today. Violin master Vincent Hall will perform for the opening ceremony!"
The audience erupted in excitement.
Alkaid sneaked up from the back row and found Catherine's seat, whispering, "Miss, there's a problem with Vincent. He's stuck in traffic and probably won't make it."
The assistant quickly went on stage, and Franklin got the news too. "Vincent is stuck in traffic and may not arrive on time. While we wait for him, please enjoy other performances."
Everyone knew how bad the traffic in Imperial City could get; getting stuck for hours was pretty normal.
There were a bunch of performances lined up for the opening ceremony, most of them put together by the students themselves.
Backstage, the principal's assistant clapped his hands. "Alright, it's almost your turn. Do well and don't embarrass the school or yourselves!"
Lyra, dressed in her performance outfit, was buzzing with excitement! She had practiced day and night for this moment. If she could impress the successful elites in the audience, her future would be set!
But even though the Windsor Family was here, Richard wasn't. How awesome would it be if he could see her shine on stage?
Lyra was set to perform a piano solo.
As she played, Emilia opened her eyes and yawned. "This piano playing is so basic."
Catherine raised an eyebrow. "You know piano?"
"I can't play, but I can tell good from bad. Anthony spent a lot of money training me, hoping to sell me for a good price. Too bad he went to jail first." Emilia was right; Lyra's piano playing was good for a student, but she hit the keys a bit too hard.
Catherine couldn't help but notice that Lyra's gaze occasionally fell on her during the performance, wondering if she knew this Lyra from somewhere.
After the piece, Lyra didn't rush off the stage. Her gaze, filled with provocation, landed on Catherine. "Mr. Morales, I heard Catherine got in through a special recommendation. Does she have any talents to show off?"
Franklin was a bit surprised and looked at Catherine with a smile. "Catherine, would you like to perform something?"
Catherine's expression was indifferent. "No."
Lyra's eyes shone with growing triumph. 'I knew this Catherine was talentless! She must have gotten into Imperial University through family connections! She doesn't deserve to be Richard's sister!'
Catherine sensed the inexplicable hostility from Lyra and raised an eyebrow, thinking she was an idiot.
Alkaid whispered, "Miss, she was just badmouthing you to others. She seems to be a fan of Richard."
'What does Richard's fan have to do with me?' Catherine wondered.
Franklin also sensed the hostility and changed his tone. "Catherine, why don't you come up and perform something? Anything will do. This stage is for the younger generation!"
With Franklin's encouragement, many in the audience clapped in agreement.
Marcus frowned. "Franklin, aren't you a bit old to be pushing kids around?"
'If Catherine doesn't want to go up, will Franklin force her?' Marcus thought.
Franklin smiled warmly but didn't back down. "Mr. Windsor, Catherine will be a student here. It's good for her to get to know everyone early! If she's stage-shy now, how will she handle the stage in the future? You can't always make decisions for her!"
Catherine raised an eyebrow, thinking, 'If I don't go up, I'll be seen as stage-shy? Looks like Franklin is determined to make me perform!'
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