Chapter 281: Is It Tough on You?

Maggie reflected that the situation might not be entirely negative. The Adams family had a commendable reputation. If her brother thrived, perhaps she would fare well too. Yet, she couldn't shake a feeling of unease. As she contemplated this, memories of Nathael's silent love flooded her mind. Had those years been difficult for him?

She snapped out of her reverie, turning to Nathael and softly asking, "Do you like it? Do you enjoy listening to me play?"

"Yes, I do," Nathael replied firmly, their fingers interlocked.

Maggie smiled gently. "I'll play for you tonight when we get home."

A mischievous glint flashed in Nathael's eyes. "At my place?"

Maggie glared playfully. "Can't you think of something else?"

Why had he been so eager to share her bed? They wouldn't sleep together anyway.

Nathael chuckled. "What are you thinking?"

Maggie ignored him, watching the next performer. When the lights dimmed, Nathael said huskily, "I just enjoy being with you."

It was a simple statement, perhaps for her, perhaps to himself. Maggie's throat tightened. Tears welled in her eyes. He always enjoyed her company, even in mundane moments.

In her past life, Nathael had quietly supported her jewelry designs, always ready with tools and gemstones. He'd move his work to the bedroom, watching over her as she slept. He cooked for her, creating small tasks to prevent her feeling useless. He watched cheesy romance movies with her, listened to her sarcastic comments, and provided blankets and water.

They had shared so much. Details she'd forgotten flooded back in the dimly lit hall, to the soft piano melodies.

Nathael laughed lightly. "What are we doing?"

"We'll do many things together," Maggie replied softly.

As Sierra left the stage, she stormed into the dressing room, grabbing her phone with a cold expression.

Danielle frowned. "What's wrong? Wasn't the piece adequately practiced?" Sierra's performance had been unpolished and clumsy, lacking artistic expression and fluency. Sierra ripped off her mask, tossing it aside. "Mind your own business!"

Danielle hadn't meant to criticize, only to check on her. Sierra's ingratitude angered her.

"Don't forget you're representing our school! By taking someone else's spot, you owe it to them, to the school, and to your peers," Danielle said sternly.

Ignoring her, Sierra grabbed her phone, slammed the door, and left.

She immediately called her grandfather, speaking tearfully. "Grandpa, what's going on? The piece wasn't the one I was supposed to perform! Why the change?" Master Pierce was upset, but offered comfort: "Don't worry, there was a program glitch." Sierra was even more enraged.

Why was that other girl so lucky to have Nathael's support, while she faced such misfortune?

While Sierra complained to her grandfather, her parents fumed in front of the TV. Ronald had invited investors to showcase Sierra's popularity and Luster Jewelry's prospects. Their daughter's failure was unexpected.

"Your daughter's skills don't seem as good as Mr. Meron claimed," a middle-aged woman with dark-rimmed glasses commented, her tone subtly sarcastic.

Ronald's pride was stung. "She might have been unwell, but her fanbase is undeniable—a million Twitter followers."

Olivia added, "The university piano competition just concluded, and Sierra's following shows her potential. We've signed newcomers from other talent shows and will fund their campaigns. Once recognized, they'll become spokespeople for Luster."

"You can buy Twitter followers," a slightly overweight man interrupted. "Ms. Riley also plays piano. Why not listen to her?"

Ronald's attempts backfired. His family faced financial collapse. Luster needed investors; he'd liquidated assets, but it wasn't enough.

The woman quietly said, "Ms. Cameron's follower count peaked when she was presumed to be in those online piano videos. We have the data." Ronald's smile froze.

"Based on my observations, Ms. Cameron is likely not the protagonist of those videos. Their playing styles differ," she added.

"What?" Ronald asked in disbelief.

Olivia protested, "Impossible! Sierra admitted to it! It must be a mistake."

The woman simply stated, "That's for Mrs. Cameron to discuss with her daughter. However, your proposal isn't sufficient to attract our investment. I'm sorry, but I hope we can collaborate in the future."

She politely rejected him. Ronald saw her out.

Back in the conference room, Ronald exploded. "What is Sierra doing? All those piano lessons! She fails at a crucial moment, making me look like a fool! She might as well drop out, like Maggie!"

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