Chapter 267

Chapter 267 As soon as Esther uttered those words, the room erupted in chatter, and curiosity thickened the atmosphere.

“Who would have guessed Ms. Evans could play the piano? She certainly doesn’t strike me as a country bumpkin “Now, hold your horses. Being able to play is one thing: playing well is quite another?

“I believe if Ms. Evans has the courage to perform, she must be quite confident in her abilities”

Surrounded by these mixed opinions, Olive furrowed her brows deeply. Edward and Quinita’s expressions turned grave, but Fabian and his brothers seemed far from worried; in fact, they were somewhat excited.

“Judging by your faces, are you all convinced that Elysia will emerge victorious? Yehoshua inquired in a hushed tone.

“Don’t worry, she’s got this.” Javier grinned. They had witnessed Elysia’s performances firsthand, and with her piano prowess, managing this small event would pose no challenge whatsoever.

Upon hearing this, Yehoshua finally felt reassured. Since both Fabian and Javier had given their seal of approval, it must indeed be alright.

Fabian and the others had personally experienced Elysia’s cello mastery, but Olive and Edward remained unaware of her talent.

Olive frowned, casting a disapproving glare at Esther on stage. Of course, she understood Esther’s intentions–to embarrass Elysia. This was truly going too far. “Esther, stop this nonsense!” Olive’s voice carried an air of authority.

But Esther remained unperturbed. She felt increasingly uneasy inside. Now that even Olive was taking Elysia’s side, she couldn’t stand it. “Grandma, it was Elysia who volunteered to perform. I’m just conveying the message; I’m not causing any trouble,” she protested.

Olive’s face darkened further, and she turned her gaze towards Jim, who was nearby. “Look at the daughter you’ve raised! Isn’t her behavior already shameful enough?”

Jim finally responded. He approached Olive, but his first words were not directed at Esther. Instead, he addressed Olive, “Mom, I understand your feelings towards Elysia. She grew up in humble beginnings and went through a lot. I have no objections to you supporting her.

“But Esther is your granddaughter too, and she has clearly explained that Elysia wanted to perform. Why are you blaming Esther for this?

“Both girls are your granddaughters. No matter how biased you are, it shouldn’t be this extreme. Besides, Elysia wouldn’t have suggested performing unless she was confident. Don’t you trust her?”

Jim was eager for an opportunity to expose Elysia’s shortcomings, and Esther had provided the perfect setup. He wouldn’t let this chance slip away. He wanted to ensure Edward’s family was humiliated in front of everyone, tarnishing their reputation.

Even if Elysia was Vincent’s prized disciple, it would make no difference. Everyone would only remember Elysia embarrassing herself at the party, lacking the grace and manners expected of a young lady from a reputable family, indistinguishable from a country bumpkin.

After Jim’s speech, the crowd resumed their chatter.

The woman in the purple dress, clutching her wine glass, approached Zane, her eyes fixed on Elysia in the crowd. “Are just going to stand there and watch?”

Startled by the familiar voice, Zane looked at the woman beside him, surprise flickering in his eyes. “What are you doing here?”

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Unhappy with what she heard, Jocelyn, Zane’s mother, retorted sharply. “Only you’re allowed here? I got an invitation too, you know. And watch your tone with your mother! Feeling all bold and brash now, huh?”

Zane took a sip of his wine and leaned slightly closer to Jocelyn. “I wouldn’t dare,” he said with a hint of humility.

“That’s more like it,” she responded, a touch of emotion in her voice. “I have a son and a daughter, but my son just isn’t making any progress. You can’t imagine how worried I am. Once I heard some rumors, I had to come and see for myself.”

“So, what is your opinion?”

“Not bad at all; I’m quite pleased. But you should proceed with caution. If another takes this remarkable young lady from you, then you are in big trouble.”

“The one I choose, no one can take from me,” Zane responded confidently.

“Don’t be so certain,” Jocelyn countered dismissively.

Zane regarded her calmly and said, “Do you truly have so little faith in your son?”

“If I trust you any further, I may never see your girlfriend again in my lifetime,” Jocelyn replied, her gaze fixed on Elysia. “If you don’t lend a hand, I’ll go myself. Don’t blame me if you come to regret it.”

“Intervening now will only complicate matters further. Relax, Elysia is truly capable. She won’t end up as the loser,” Zane assured her.

“Are you really that confident?” she asked.

“I have faith in her,” Zane said, his gaze tenderly directed at Elysia. He believed that Elysia was not someone who could be easily intimidated.

Elysia paid no heed to the chatter surrounding her; her thoughts were focused solely on one thing: the person on stage was Esther. Because of this alone she couldn’t let down the show Esther had so diligently prepared for her.

Last time at the Jim’s residence, Elysia had longed to meet Esther but hadn’t even caught a glimpse of her. She had considered visiting Esther someday, but never expected Esther to appear unbidden. She thought she should teach Esther a lesson.

Elysia ascended the stage, meeting Esther’s gaze without displaying any signs of stage fright.

Esther wavered at Elysia’s confidence. But then Esther reassured herself, thinking, ‘That is a piano, and Elysia has grown up in a remote area; she has probably never even seen one before, so how could she possibly play it?‘

“Excuse me, please,” Elysia said softly. With everyone watching, Esther couldn’t say much and swiftly stepped aside.

Elysia stood at the microphone, her melodious voice resonating through the hall. “As you know, I grew up in a remote area, and even when it comes to playing the cello, I possess only rudimentary knowledge.

“I had initially intended to express my gratitude in another manner, but to my surprise, my cousin Esther was thoughtful enough to arrange everything for me.

“In this instance, I can only offer my humble performance. If my playing does not meet your approval, please kindly forgive me,”

she concluded.

After speaking, she walked over to the piano and seated herself. Just as everyone anticipated her inevitable failure, the beautiful sound of the piano began to emanate–sometimes gentle, sometimes rapid, touching everyone’s hearts.

Elysia’s fingers danced across the black and white keys. When the music intensified, it was as if the audience was in ingle, beneath a cascading waterfall, with rushing water enveloping them and their breath almost ceasing—a truly awe–i and expansive sensation.

When the melody softened, it was like being deep in the mountains, surrounded by feast Knese mit erking ser sound of water flowing in their cars, bringing a refreshing copiness.

Once the piece conchaded, the audience was still in a trance. The composition was ingeninne and the prate exiret exceptional talent.