Chapter 330 Refuse

Countless aspiring musicians had sought Harvey’s mentorship over the years. Some genuinely wanted to learn the cello, while others were drawn to the power he wielded, hoping to use him as a stepping stone to greater heights.

Harvey was well aware of this, which was why he had refrained from taking on students for so long.

The only pupil he had ever accepted was Casey Riley, a talented young cellist who had started studying under him when he was still outside the elite circles.

Casey had been with Harvey since he was five and had grown into an exceptional musician.

But now, Meryl was the first person in years to spark Harvey’s interest in taking on a new student.

While her cello skills weren’t top-notch, and her technique needed refinement, he sensed something special in her—a raw talent and an emotional depth that was hard to come by.

The way Meryl played, pouring her heart into the instrument, brought the cello to life. Technique could be honed over time, but the passion and spirit she possessed were innate gifts.

Harvey felt compelled to break his long-standing rule about accepting students, convinced that Meryl had the potential to be molded into something extraordinary.

She turned out to be the very apprentice he had hoped to take under his wing. He found the twist of fate remarkably serendipitous.

As he looked at her, a warm smile spread across his face. “Would you like to become my student? I’d be honored to teach you everything I know and make you my last student.”

Meryl froze, her mind racing. She hadn’t expected the man Julia and the others had mentioned to be standing right in front of her.

“Are you in shock?” Malcolm nudged her shoulder, trying to jolt her back to reality. “Harvey wants you as his student! You’ve got to jump on this opportunity! There are tons of people who would kill for a chance like this!”

Meryl pressed her lips together, ignoring Malcolm’s enthusiasm.

She glanced at Harvey and, after a moment of contemplation, replied with a hint of regret, “Mr. Herty, I’m honored that you see potential in me, but I’m just an amateur. I play the cello to pass the time and have no plans to pursue it professionally.”

Malcolm’s expression shifted, disbelief washing over him.

He thought, “What’s wrong with you, Meryl? This is a golden opportunity to step into the elite circle! How can you not appreciate it? You’re throwing away a chance that so many would beg for!”

Harvey was equally taken aback. After years of not accepting students, he had finally found someone who piqued his interest, only to have her decline him right to his face.

Yet, instead of reacting negatively, Harvey found Meryl’s straightforwardness refreshing.

While others scrambled to curry favor with him, she stood her ground, clearly a woman of integrity.

Harvey chuckled softly, giving her an out. “No rush. Take your time to think it over. If you ever change your mind, just come find me.”

Malcolm, desperate not to let this opportunity slip away, shot Meryl a glare and pulled her aside, frustration bubbling over.

“What are you doing? You’re throwing away a once-in-a-lifetime chance! Do you think Mr. Herty just picks anyone to mentor? Seriously, you need to accept his offer! You don’t want to embarrass him in front of everyone here!”

Meryl felt bewildered, thinking, “Why does my decision to accept or decline mentorship hinge on Malcolm’s opinion?”

She couldn’t help but snap back, “Mr. Stone, what’s your deal? Aren’t you overstepping your bounds a bit?”

Malcolm’s face turned a shade gloomier, her words echoing louder than intended, drawing the attention of onlookers.

Even Harvey raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unfolding drama.

Feeling the weight of everyone’s gaze, Malcolm squirmed, his pride pricked. Meryl’s words felt like a slap in the face, a public challenge he hadn’t anticipated.

“We’ve already drawn the line, haven’t we? What kind of father are you, really?”

Malcolm and Bianca’s peculiar behavior was no secret to anyone.

It was well known in high society that instead of showering their own daughter with affection, they lavished their attention on an adopted fake heiress. This scandal had long been the talk of the town.

Whispers and gossip filled the air, and some people even pointed fingers at Malcolm, all clearly enjoying the spectacle.