Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 52

Stanton’s eyes widened in disbelief Rubbing them, he looked again.

The girl was in a pair of light blue tracksuits. And those familiar, misty eyes slowly met his as she turned toward his voice Their gazes locked, and Stanton drew a sharp breath

With Cordelia there, why had the Delaney family gone to such lengths to seek him out?

The nanny beside him explained. “Mr. Stanton came up when he heard the piano, so

Stanton was the Delaney family’s quest of honor that day, and Rachel had instructed the nanny to treat him with the utmost respect.

The nanny couldn’t stop Stanton from coming up, leading to him standing behind everyone

Rachel didn’t mind the unexpected arrival. But why was Stanton staring at Cordelia? Could Cordelia’s beauty have struck a chord in him?

Frowning, Rachel glanced at Juliana. Like mother, like daughter. Juliana immediately understood her mother’s concern and sidestepped to block Stanton’s view of Cordelia.

Rachel approached with a beaming smile. “Mr. Stanton, your presence graces our humble home! How about we head downstairs for coffee first? Let the kids get ready so we can proceed with the auditions.

She had already briefed Stanton about a few more candidates for the audition.

But auditions for Cordelia? Stanton swallowed hard. “No, that won’t be necessary”

Rachel paused. “No coffee? Then shall we begin the auditions now?”

She was aware of Stanton’s fame for his go–getter attitude, but his eagerness took her by surprise.

“Well then,” she agreed and started introducing the candidates, beginning with her daughter. “This is my Juliana. She’s passed her Grade 10 piano and looks to further her studies with you. She’s hardworking and academically excellent. You can test her skills! Juliana, play something for us, darling.

Juliana stepped forward, a mix of modesty and eagerness in her demeanor. “Mr. Stanton, I hope you’ll give me the opportunity!”

her plea, she approached the piano, took a deep breath, and played a piece

flowed effortlessly through

of his reverie, listening to the

she turned to Mrs. Collins, looking at her earnestly. Mrs. Collins was a famed socialite from Greenmeadow, known for her pride and difficult nature. The Delaney and Smith families

her, Rachel would enter high

thought, Rachel glanced

was virtually invisible on an occasion like this. Mrs. Collins hadn’t given her a

returned to her spot, Rachel asked, “Mr. Stanton, what do

Cordelia’s sake, Stanton coughed and offered,

sent Juliana’s chin

Collins family. Her talent in piano is unsurpassed. Miss Collins had completed her Grade 10 plano by the age of ten. Unfortunately, she

thing, but who would bother to teach someone with disabilities unless they were

last sentence, Mrs. Collins‘ eyes dimmed, but she didn’t

and played the piece again as Cordelia had

and gave his one–word verdict. “Pity.”

only one Beethoven in

girl indeed had talent, but Stanton

word sealed her fate.

and Joy’s eyes filled

way. She then turned to Rosina. “This is Miss Smith, a relative of ours and

performance was even more average.

have been brutally honest, but

the three had played, Rachel finally said. This is

Lorna stepped forward anxiously. “Lia is gifted academically She

but Lia has never learned piano. The

was about to say something more to plead her case when Stanton’s incredulous voice cut through the silence. “You’ve never

Impossible!

ivories surpassed his

in an orphanage, you see. There’s no way they could afford a piano teacher there. Plus, the poor girl’s always been emotionally out of step. Getting into