Chapter 445
445:
Lorraine deliberately chose a piece composed by Tiana. It was suitable for a birthday event but notoriously difficult to play. Before she even began, a smug smile appeared on her face, full of confidence. She started the tune confidently, certain Christina would be thrown off and unable to keep up.
But to Lorraine’s surprise, Christina followed seamlessly, playing with flawless technique and ease.
Christina’s expression stayed calm, a faint smile on her lips as her fingers moved smoothly across the keys. She had composed this piece herself—how could she not play it perfectly?
Lorraine’s confidence quickly shifted to panic. She could play the piece, of course, but sitting next to Christina, she felt an inexplicable pressure. What made it worse was that she had secretly changed the agreed-upon piece, but Christina didn’t seem the least bit bothered. Instead, Christina kept playing along with that calm, smiling look.
Every time Christina glanced at her with relaxed amusement, Lorraine’s heartbeat quickened. Several times, her nerves nearly caused her to hit the wrong notes.
Lorraine cursed Christina silently. Hadn’t Christina said she only knew simple songs? How was she managing this piece so confidently? She wasn’t even looking at the sheet music. And the way she played—it sounded almost identical to Tiana herself.
When Lorraine finally slipped up, some guests began to whisper.
“Wasn’t Lorraine’s mentor supposed to be one of Tiana’s protégés? Yet, she made a mistake. Compared to Miss Jones, she’s clearly lacking.”
“I don’t know much about piano, but Miss Jones’ playing was smooth and enjoyable. It felt like a professional performance.”
“Miss Jones certainly played better. And for a second, I almost thought she was Tiana.”
The crowd’s quiet praise was unanimous. Even Kurt and Robin, who usually didn’t care for music, were impressed and listened with great interest.
Christina had intentionally adjusted her playing style so that no one could figure out she was the world-class piano maestro Tiana.
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By the end of the piece, Lorraine was drenched in sweat. Her nerves had completely unraveled, and she lost her rhythm again toward the end. On top of that, Christina had occasionally given her a few glances with a mild smile. Lorraine was certain Christina had done it on purpose—to shake her, make her slip, and make the crowd criticize her.
“Thank you all for listening,” Christina said with a smile, standing to face the guests.
“Wonderful! That was amazing!” Kurt said, starting the applause.
In seconds, the room was filled with claps and admiring looks aimed at Christina. Lorraine, in contrast, was left standing in the background, ignored and overlooked.
Lorraine was frustrated. She was supposed to be the one in the spotlight, yet Christina had stolen it all. How had it ended like this? Christina should have been the one humiliated.
Lorraine couldn’t accept it. She clenched her fists, her expression dark. After all, her mentor had been a protégé of Tiana’s! She had always been praised by her mentor for her exceptional piano skills. How could she lose to a typical housewife when she was the mentor’s favorite pupil?
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