Chapter 268

Chapter 268 The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, each cheer resonating louder than the last. Elysia perched gracefully on a chair, her lips curving into a subtle, assured smile as she observed Esther’s astonished visage.

While the rest of the attendees were left in awe, Ava and Elena maintained an impressive composure.

Ava, who had already been privy to Elysia’s piano prowess during a concert where she accompanied the lead singer, remained unterly unperturbed by Esther’s challenge.

Elena, ever the believer in Elysia’s abilities, felt no surprise either.

Murmurs began to ripple through the audience. “How can anyone dispute her piano mastery? Ms. Evans is being overly modest,”

remarked one.

“It seems Ms. Evans‘ cousin underestimated her, not anticipating such a mesmerizing display, added another.

“No wonder, being a member of the Evans family, excellence follows wherever they tread, praised someone else.

“Clarify which Evans family you’re referring to. There are two Evans clans in Jorlandia, corrected another voice.

“Is it not obvious? In my book, Jorlandia has only ever harbored one true Evans dynasty, clarified the original speaker.

The Evans family indeed had two branches, which had parted ways years ago. Hence, Jorlandia knew of two Evans families, but the populace overwhelmingly acknowledged Edward’s family.

Jim’s family, in terms of influence and prestige, paled in comparison to Edward’s. Their reputation wasn’t stellar–after all, Jim welcomed his new wife into their fold soon after the passing of the first wife. Such familial values garnered little respect.

Discussions intensified, and Jim’s face blanched. He hadn’t anticipated that Elysia possessed genuine talent. He had underestimated her severely.

Recalling the intelligence he had gathered, Jim’s eyes hardened. The file hadn’t mentioned Elysia’s piano skills or her mentorship under Vincent. He began to question the file’s reliability.

It wasn’t until now that Olive and Edward snapped out of their reverie, captivated by Elysia’s piano performance. They gazed at her on stage, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Elysia then rose from her chair and approached Esther, her gaze sweeping over their family. She raised the corner of her mouth slightly and inquired, “So, Esther, how do you find my rendering of the piece?”

Esther remained silent, prompting Elysia to continue, “Why not let Esther serenade us as well?”

At this, Ashley’s expression shifted, and she quickly interjected, “No, that’s quite impossible.”

“You certainly didn’t hesitate in declining. Perhaps Esther’s skills aren’t up to par?” Elysia suggested.

“Elysia, you’ve misunderstood. I believe you’re the evening’s shining star, making it unsuitable for Esther to perform,” Ashley replied, sounding all too diplomatic.

But Elysia wasn’t swayed. If they had their druthers, Esther would be the night’s focal point. There was no reason that they should pass up such a golden opportunity. Unless Esther’s cello skills were lacking. Taking the stage might only invite embarrassment.

Elysia scrutinized Esther. If Ashley hadn’t spoken, she might have let it slide. But Ashley’s words clearly aimed to elevate Esther at Elysia’s expense. Elysia wouldn’t stand for that.

“What’s this about suitability? The performance is meant for enjoyment. Your suggestion implies Nina’s cello skills surpass 1/3 11:48 Wed, 12 Mar Chapter 268 mine. Why not let her play, so I can witness it myself?” Elysia challenged.

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The crowd’s excitement mounted. “Ashley, Ms. Evans has a point. Let’s see your daughter’s musical prowess too, someone called out.

“The Evans daughters are truly exceptional. Ashley, don’t keep us in suspense any longer. We’re eager to witness your daughter’s piano skills, another urged.

“Exactly, Ms. Evans has spoken. What more could you possibly worry about?”

Jim’s face darkened, mirroring the depth of the night. He was acutely aware of his daughter’s talents, acknowledging that she stood no chance against Elysia. If she took the stage now, their family’s reputation in the city would only suffer further.

The cunning old foxes in attendance were clearly waiting for Jim’s family to humiliate itself. They pretended to offer flattery, but everyone knew the truth beneath the surface.

Jim turned his hopeful gaze towards Olive, thinking that if Olive spoke up, Elysia wouldn’t dare to ignore her.

Yet Olive avoided his gaze, showing no inclination to lend a hand. Earlier, she had actually spoken up in favor of Elysia, earning a harsh rebuke from Jim.

Now, with the spotlight on his daughter, Jim’s anxiety grew. Why hadn’t he anticipated this before? What if Elysia herself couldn’t play the cello?

As Elysia’s, Jim did nothing. Throughout the ordeal, he had remained detached, as if it were none of his concern, merely awaiting Elysia’s inevitable embarrassment. Olive knew that Jim had a few tricks up his sleeve, but now it was time for him to face the music himself.

Seeing Olive’s refusal to intervene, Jim’s heart hardened.

As the crowd grew louder, Esther steeled herself and declared, “Alright, I’ll play.”

Jim was stunned by her words. Esther was overly confident. With her amateur skills, stepping onto the stage would only invite ridicule.

Elysia smiled slyly as she stepped aside to make room for Esther.

Esther remained silent, walking to the piano, sitting down, and raising her fingers, uncertain where to begin. After a brief hesitation, she pressed a key, producing a single, discordant note.

The audience was puzzled by her choice of tune, but her fingers were already dancing across the keys, producing a melody that was anything but pleasant. People began covering their ears.

They had expected Esther’s piano skills to be inferior to Elysia’s, but never this bad. Any rich girl from Jorlandia could outperform Esther.

Elysia watched the scene with a mocking smile.

“Are you satisfied now?” Ashley’s voice echoed from behind.

Elysia glanced back with a playful tone. “What do you mean? I never expected Esther’s piano playing to be so off–key. From your earlier comments, I thought she was a musical prodigy!”

“You!” Ashley snapped, her face flushing with anger.

Elysia responded calmly, “Ashley, don’t let your anger get the best of you with so many people watching. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation.”

Jim quickly pulled Ashley away. “That’s enough.” Then he turned to Elysia, asking, “What exactly are you hoping to achieve?”

2/3 3/3 Q 83 Chapter 268 Elysia finally looked back at them. “What are you saying? Since you won’t teach your daughter, I’ll do it for you to keep her from being so outspoken in the future. Does she really think everyone will bow to her? Her attitude is just a bit too overbearing.

“And... Jim, don’t blame me for not warning you. If you want to keep things hidden, then you’d better avoid doing them. Do 1 need to list everything you’ve done, one by one?”

Elysia’s words were subtle, but Jim sensed an underlying message. He thought if she knew something she shouldn’t.

At that moment, the cello music ceased, and the noise filling the lobby gradually faded, leaving a calmer atmosphere.

“With such skills, how did they even get a chance to perform on stage?” A man’s voice sounded.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to the source of the voice. A man in a suit entered the room. With light blonde hair, deep eyes, a high nose bridge, and perfect skin, he was the epitome of a Morganian.

The crowd recognized him, as if they had seen him somewhere before. Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “Neo!”

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