Chapter 32: What Is She Talking About?
Maggie offered no explanation for her sudden improvement, but she had been diligently practicing her piano skills by watching instructional videos. Later, Leo introduced Maggie to his mother's former piano teacher, an elderly woman from whom Maggie subsequently studied for over a decade. Despite the teacher's strictness, Maggie was grateful for the opportunity and eventually discovered the teacher's underlying warmth and genuine care. Now, having learned all the teacher could offer, Maggie visited her primarily for companionship.
In the past, Maggie had avoided public performances to avoid overshadowing Sierra. However, that self-imposed restriction now seemed pointless.
"Sierra, please behave," Ronald said gently, his brow furrowed.
Sierra ignored him, smiling at Maggie. "Maggie, what do you think? Would you like to showcase your skills?"
Madam Cameron also looked displeased by this unexpected turn of events.
Maggie pursed her lips and said softly, "Let's forget it. Today is your show. You should be the center of attention."
"We've always been equals. Why don't you demonstrate your skills and let everyone see how talented you are?" Sierra persisted, her determination fueled by a desire to humiliate Maggie. How dare Maggie offend her! she thought. Maggie, anticipating this reaction, understood Sierra’s intention.
"In that case," Maggie said warmly, "it would be impolite to refuse."
Afterwards, everyone watched a woman in a white dress, exuding grace, walk slowly toward the stage piano.
Sierra readily vacated her seat, saying to her best friend, "Just watch. Maggie probably hasn't played the piano in over a decade."
"Are you intentionally trying to embarrass Maggie?" Sierra's best friend asked, turning to her.
With anticipation in her eyes, Sierra nonchalantly replied, "She deserves it! How dare she lecture me! Does she think she's the young lady of the Camerons?"
A girl in a white dress stood tall before the black piano. Maggie, her slender neck elongated in concentration, tested the keys lightly.
Chapter 32: What Is She Talking About?
Everyone waited patiently in silence. After all, beauty is always worth the wait.
Sierra sneered. "I'm curious to see what she can play!"
A few seconds of silence followed, then the girl's fingertips gracefully began a smooth melody. Under the dazzling lights, the girl in white, with her cold eyes and striking features, seemed otherworldly; a goddess descending from the heavens, or a solitary orchid emitting a cold, clear radiance.
The song Maggie chose was "Adelina by the Water," a piano piece inspired by the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a lonely Cypriot king who sculpted a beautiful girl, falling in love with his creation. He prayed to the gods for a miracle, and his devotion moved Aphrodite, the goddess of love, to grant life to the statue. The fortunate king then lived happily ever after with the girl.
The piano music flowed smoothly, its tones ranging from deep and resonant to high and melodious. The guests fell silent, their eyes fixed on the girl at the piano.
Maggie seemed destined for the piano; the notes danced at her fingertips, captivating everyone. No one dared disturb her, fearing to disrupt the enchanting performance.
Only when the song ended—with Pygmalion and the girl united in love—did Maggie's gaze soften, mirroring their happiness. The emotion was palpable.
When the music concluded, the audience took a moment to regain their composure before erupting in applause.
"Ms. Adam is truly a hidden gem. This piece was extraordinary!" A man, clearly an accomplished pianist, spoke first.
"Indeed, I never expected the Camerons to have two such talented daughters, each with their own unique merits!"
"No wonder your younger sister always claims her elder sister is more talented. We thought she was being modest, but it turns out to be true."
"Speaking of which, Ms. Adam is too modest. We had no idea about her talent."
Compliments filled the air. Even Olivia and Ronald, though not music experts, recognized the sincerity of the praise. Their own smiles, however, felt strained and forced.
"Sierra, didn't you say she couldn't play?" her best friend, Chloe Dawson, asked. Sierra's chest heaved with suppressed rage. "How would I have known?" she hissed.
When did this woman learn to play so well? she wondered.
Witnessing the crowd's admiration for Maggie, it seemed the banquet was now her celebration. Sierra's eyes burned with anger, her hatred for Maggie intensifying. As the event concluded, Leo prepared to leave.
As he passed Sierra, she found herself drawn to him. He glanced at her, a hint of sarcasm in his playful eyes, his aloof gaze radiating coldness. He offered a slight nod before moving on. Sierra felt an inexplicable chill from his look.
After the guests departed, only the Camerons and Maggie remained. Ronald looked sternly at Sierra. "Sierra, what's the matter with you? How could you let Maggie play without planning? If her skills were inadequate, it would have been a disgrace."
Sierra, feeling wronged, burst into tears. "Dad, I don't know what's gotten into Maggie today! She threatened me with a knife to my throat and said she would leave a scar on my face!"
This statement shocked the Cameron family; it was out of character for the gentle Maggie.
"Maggie, what's going on? Is Sierra telling the truth?" Olivia asked, looking at Sierra's tear-stained face.
Maggie looked genuinely confused. "Mom, I have no idea. A knife? Leaving a scar on her face? What is she talking about?"