Chapter 47 Julia Plays the Piano
As Cameron stole a glance, her eyes seemed poised to leap from their sockets.
What had she witnessed? Jared and Julia shared a gaze that was understandable. But the proximity between them was nearly intimate enough for a kiss.
And they were still looking – still gazing! It felt unending!
Cameron’s frustration surged, her visible resentment screaming “jealousy.”
After a moment of tense pause, Cameron mustered a strained smile and approached Julia.
“I’ve heard that Julia is quite the pianist. Would I be privileged enough to hear you play a piece?” Jared’s gaze turned cold, directing an icy beam at Cameron.
As his chilly look bore into her, a pang of jealousy shot down Cameron’s spine, gripping her in its hold.
If her glare could incinerate, she would’ve reduced Julia to ashes!
Shiloh, observing the unfolding situation, recognized that Cameron was purposely trying to provoke Julia.
While he acknowledged Julia’s attractiveness, he also understood that Cameron possessed a superior talent, a product of the meticulous grooming by the Yang Family – adept in the realms of piano, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her piano prowess was particularly remarkable,
exemplified by her third–place victory in the California Piano Competition.
As these thoughts swirled in Shiloh’s mind, he watched Julia rise to her feet.
What was her intention?
“Sure,” Julia acquiesced, a confident glint in her eyes.
Cameron had repeatedly targeted her, and to make matters worse, Julia suspected that Cameron had likely bribed the villa’s maids.
Julia had no interest in engaging in a futile argument, but it seemed that Cameron’s relentless harassment had reached its limit.
Did they genuinely consider her an easy target? Were they unaware that she wasn’t one to be trifled with?
Before Julia could take a step, a firm grip closed around her wrist.
Startled, she looked down at Jared, and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
“You don’t need to go. Don’t concern yourself with her,” Jared spoke, his cold sweeping over Cameron.
gaze intentionally
It was a warning.
Cameron, though consumed by jealousy, clutched her evening dress, forcing herself to bear the storm within while maintaining her facade of nobility and grace.
“Jared, I don’t have any ulterior motives. I lacked skill and was hoping Julia could offer some guidance,” Cameron mumbled, her lower lip caught between her teeth, feigning an air of grievance, her eyes red as if she had suffered unjustly.
“Alright, considering your sincerity in seeking assistance, I’ll play the same piece as you. It should
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Chapter 47 Julia Plays the Piano
aid your learning,” Julia remarked.
Cameron parted her lips, momentarily lost for words in response to Julia’s statement.
“Puchi!” Someone stifled a laugh, a snort escaping their lips.
“Isn’t this just hilarious? She’s challenging Cameron on piano, even claiming Cameron isn’t good? Who is this girl anyway? Cameron’s piano skills alone could grace a grand concert hall.”
“Lower your voice. Remember, she’s still the wife in the name of the house. You’re being awfully loud. Aren’t you afraid of being overheard?”
“What’s there to fear?” Neil retorted with a cold sneer, his voice dripping with contempt. “After all, the head of the household doesn’t take her seriously. It’s only a matter of time before she’s cast
out.”
Just as Neil concluded, Jared’s half–lidded gaze passed over him with little acknowledgment, shifting upward to meet Julia’s eyes. He questioned, “Are you really up for this?”
Julia returned Jared’s look with a smile, her starlit eyes brimming with confidence.
Observing the unwavering assurance in her gaze, Jared instinctively released Julia’s hand, allowing her to stride confidently toward the piano.
Was she truly capable of playing?
At that moment, Julia sitting before the piano, became the focal point of attention.
Though most were likely anticipating Julia’s performance with the eagerness of watching a spectacle unfold, they were also primed for a potential fiasco.
Jordan shook his head, lamenting, “It’s a shame, a real shame.”
“What do you mean?” Neil inquired, puzzled.
“It’s unfortunate – with such a striking appearance, her wisdom falls short,” Jordan explained, his interest in Julia diminishing.
“Indeed, challenging Cameron on piano wasn’t a wise move.” Neil’s words were hardly finished when the enchanting melody of a piano flooded the air.
The notes flowed like a natural stream from the delicate fingertips of the girl seated at the piano. They mimicked babbling brooks and tinkling springs, occasionally soaring like lofty mountains and cascading waters. The music wove a captivating spell, leaving listeners entranced.
As the final strains of the song lingered, echoing throughout the room, the crowd was left in awe.
Jared’s eyes were tinged with astonishment as he gazed at Julia, a mixture of surprise and something undefinable in his expression.
Beside him, Shiloh stood agape, his attention riveted to Julia on stage, a look of disbelief etched onto his face.
Cameron, too, was dumbfounded. Regardless of her denial, the irrefutable fact was right before her eyes.
Julia played exquisitely, not out of boastfulness but due to her genuine prowess. And yet, her level of skill easily reached that of an international piano virtuoso. Julia and Cameron existed in entirely different leagues, impossible to compare.
In a sudden revelation, Cameron recollected Julia’s earlier remark to her.
Chapter 47 Julia Plays the Piano
Julia had claimed she needed to be more skilled.
Previously, Cameron had internally scoffed, convinced that Julia was utterly clueless.
Now, it seemed, the one oblivious to her own limitations was quite clearly Cameron!
The more she dwelled on this, the more her face flushed, wishing for a hole to materialize so she could vanish within.
Amidst the murmurs of the guests, Cameron’s ears buzzed.
“Oh my, I could never have imagined the depth of the housewife’s piano expertise.”
“I was equally astonished. Is it just me, or does her skill rival the mastery I once heard at the Vienna Concert Hall?”
Jordan rested his chin on his hand, a glint of intrigue in his eyes as he watched Julia gracefully descend from the stage. He was becoming increasingly convinced – he must have this woman. Julia returned to Jared’s side, her gaze shifting to Cameron. “Your talent is indeed commendable, but your diligence and practice are lacking. Ordinary listeners might not discern it, but anyone. with a certain level of expertise can tell. You’re not well–versed in the craft.”
Cameron had earlier wished for an escape, but Julia’s words intensified her embarrassment and irritation. It felt as though Julia had dealt her a severe blow, leaving her stinging.
During the ride back, Julia noticed that Jared’s gaze remained fixed on her.
Teasingly, she raised a hand to touch her face, quipping, “Is there something on my have you been staring?”
face? Why
In reality, Shiloh, seated in the passenger’s seat, overheard this and instinctively glanced into the rearview mirror. There, he caught a glimpse of Julia’s lovely visage, evoking a complex mix of
emotions.
“Who taught you to play the piano? It’s not mentioned in your background,” Jared inquired.
