Chapter 17

Chapter 17:

Fernanda sat gracefully on the couch, leisurely sipping a glass of rich red wine. Several men glanced her way, contemplating an introduction, but her aloof demeanor made them hesitate and think twice. With her mere presence, Fernanda projected an unmistakable aura that silently conveyed, “Stay away p>

“Fernanda, I’m going to introduce you to the Harper family,” Robert announced, breaking into her solitude. “Judie values polite young women. Make sure to compliment her generously and present yourself well p>

Fernanda simply nodded, her expression neutral. “Okay p>

Robert seemed ready to offer more advice, but a call from someone eager to share a drink pulled him away.

The Morgan family, though wealthy, was rarely the highlight in Esaham, a city ruled by elite lineages. But tonight, the mood had shifted. The buzz surrounding Robert filled him with a pleasant sense of importance, a stark contrast to the usual indifference he faced.

Moments later, the atmosphere softened as a delicate melody drifted through the hall. Descending the grand staircase were two figures. The first, a middle-aged woman in a sophisticated purple evening gown, moved with serene grace. Her chin was slightly raised and her eyes lowered modestly, as if surveying the gathering from above.

Fernanda guessed this elegant woman was Judie.

Judie, from the renowned Reed family, was known for her family’s influence in Esaham. She had evolved from a celebrated debutante to a respected lady.

By her side stood Ava.

Ava had her arm linked with Judie’s, their closeness hinting at a strong bond. Judie’s affection for Ava, it seemed, was more than just a rumor.

Glances shifted discreetly toward Fernanda as whispers filled the air.

The event was significant—it was meant to introduce Fernanda, Bobby’s fiancée, to their social circle. Yet instead of Fernanda, it was Ava standing at Judie’s side, basking in the attention.

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Ava’s open admiration for Bobby added another layer of intrigue, fueling quiet speculation about Judie’s true intentions.

Across the room, Ava locked eyes with Fernanda and flashed a smug, taunting grin.

Fernanda, maintaining her dignified silence, ignored the gesture completely, as if Ava were invisible.

A flicker of annoyance crossed Ava’s face. How could Fernanda dismiss her so easily?

Leaning closer, Ava whispered a brief, pointed remark into Judie’s ear, receiving a subtle nod in return.

With renewed confidence, Ava approached the grand piano at the center of the hall. She seated herself and, with a flurry of elegant movements, let her fingers sweep gracefully across the keys.

As the background music faded, the piano erupted in a lively symphony of sharp, exhilarating notes. The composition intensified, Ava’s fingertips racing through a spirited dance of complex rhythms.

The vibrant, uplifting piece surged with energy and technical mastery, leaving the audience in no doubt that it was something extraordinary.

Behind Fernanda, someone murmured, “Ava studied classical music in college. She’s clearly talented p>

“Undoubtedly. Just by listening, you can tell this piece is difficult,” another voice agreed.

Piano performances were a tradition at gatherings like this, but Ava rarely displayed her full skill. Tonight, however, she seemed determined to leave a lasting impression.

As she pressed the final note with deliberate force, a flicker of pain flashed through her wrist.

The audience erupted into applause, rewarding her display of talent. Ava rose from the piano bench, her every movement reflecting the polished confidence of a virtuoso who had just delivered a masterful performance.

“Bravo, Ava!” Erika cheered, her voice ringing with enthusiasm.

“Bravo,” Judie echoed, nodding with a gentle smile. “You’ve refined your craft even further since the last time p>

Ava had chosen a piece by one of Judie’s favorite composers, knowing it would resonate deeply with her.

“I didn’t play that well,” Ava demurred, covering her mouth with a smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “There’s someone here who’s even better than I am p>

“Who could that be?” Minnie asked, her curiosity piqued. “Ava, you’re the only trained musician among us. It seems unlikely anyone could surpass you p>

“Indeed,” Erika added, her tone firm and encouraging. “You shouldn’t underestimate yourself p>

“I absolutely mean it,” Ava insisted, her voice casting a hush over the gathering.

It was rare for Ava to downplay her abilities. If she believed someone more skilled was present, perhaps there was truth to her claim.

“Judie, I’ve heard that Erika’s sister, Fernanda, is quite the pianist herself. Why don’t we have Fernanda play something for you?” Ava suggested warmly, linking arms with Judie once more.

The room’s attention immediately shifted to Fernanda.

She sat apart, leisurely savoring her glass of red wine, seemingly lost in her own tranquil world, oblivious to the growing buzz and the subtle tension in the air.

Robert felt a wave of anxiety. He knew well that Fernanda had never received a formal education, let alone music lessons. The stakes were high, and a single mistake here could irreparably damage the family’s reputation.

“Really?” Judie asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.

“Absolutely!” Ava replied, her eyes glinting as she turned to Fernanda. “Fernanda, you wouldn’t be so cruel as to deny Judie the honor of hearing you play, would you p>

A ripple of curiosity swept through the guests. Fernanda, the Morgan family’s eldest daughter who had just returned home, was undeniably beautiful and poised. But did she possess the depth and talent everyone expected?

To the Harper family, a beautiful woman without talent had little value in their prestigious household.

Erika, sensing Ava’s scheme, couldn’t help but inwardly applaud such cunning manipulation.

Fernanda was cornered, with no dignified way to refuse.

She had never set foot in a school, much less learned to play the piano.

Erika could hardly contain her anticipation for Fernanda’s downfall. She imagined Fernanda crumbling under the pressure, becoming the target of ridicule and disgrace—an outcome Erika found exhilarating.