:22 Sat,
Chapter 160
Steven and Leo moved quickly; even though Harold and Barbara were reluctant, they didn’t want to offend Morris at this critical moment.
As they exited the door, they could only mutter their grievances and leave in frustration.
Cherise gazed at Morris, grasping his hand for reassurance, as she understood his feelings.
Morris chose not to confront Joseph or Harold, respecting Phoebe; after all, Harold was her biological son.
Though Phoebe showed a cheerful demeanor every day, she harbored vulnerabilities that came with being a mother.
Once they left, Phoebe began to brighten up. “Cherise, you’ve come to see me? I’m so sorry you had to witness that unpleasant scene.”
Cherise shook her head and gently took Phoebe’s hand, assuring her, “It’s nothing. My affection lies with Morris; nothing can
shake that.”
Her words instantly made both Phoebe and Morris smile.
The atmosphere shifted dramatically from tense rivalry to one filled with warmth and joy.
Cherise truly cherished her time at the Chivers residence.
Before she left, Phoebe spoke privately to Morris. “Don’t concern yourself with my feelings; do what must be done, as if never bore that son.”
*****
Inside a high–end fashion boutique, Shirley held several dresses, comparing them eagerly. “Mom, which dress looks better? The white one, or the red one, or maybe this lace one? The piano contest is tomorrow; which style do you think Liam will prefer?”
Mandy, seated on the sofa, shook her head indulgently. “You’re more anxious about this than about your upcoming engagement ceremony! They all look beautiful; my daughter would shine in anything she wears.”
With a touch of pride, Shirley lifted her chin. “The engagement will merely precede the wedding ceremony, which truly matters. But this piano contest is a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity; if I miss it, it’s gone forever. Please help me choose!”
“Then let’s go with the red one; it’s fiery and will definitely make you stand out.”
Shirley nodded in agreement. “I think the red dress is marvelous and bold.”
That evening, news of the piano contest hosted by the Clusia Pianists‘ Association surged to the top of trending topies Comments flooded in from netizens.
[This is the first contest ever hosted by the pianists‘ association; I’m genuinely looking forward to it.] [I heard the judges are Liam, Tina, and Arlina.]
[Arlina? Is that true? Don’t spread rumors.] [Liam is an internationally renowned pianist, and Tina is the foremost prodigy of Clusia; I know both of them. But who is Arlina?]
[“Symphony of Dreams“, “Dream of Dawn“-you haven’t heard of those? Both were composed by Arlina.] [If Liam is a master pianist, then Arlina is a true piano maestro.]
[Impressive.]
VB LL Sat, Dec 7
Chapter 160
3
[Let’s all guess which contestant will win tomorrow and become Liam’s apprentice.]
[I’m betting on Shirley.]
[Same here. Shirley will surely win.]
Nearly all commenters supported Shirley, with the only dissent coming from the students of the Traditional Medicine Department at Betrico University, who silently rallied behind Madeline.
The next day arrived quickly. As Cherise started her car to head to the pianists‘ association’s concert hall, Dora called.
Cherise placed the call on speakerphone, and the familiar voice of Dora emerged. “Cherise, remember to meet King tonight at Ebb & Flow.”
Cherise replied, “I remember. Take a few more days to rest; I’ll have Crow accompany me instead.”
୦
鱼
