Pampered By Power: The True Heiress Returns

Chapter 268

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, each cheer resonating louder than the last. Elysia perched gracefully on a chair, her lips curving into a subtle, assured smile as she observed Esther’s astonished visage.

While the rest of the attendees were left in awe, Ava and Elena maintained an impressive composure.

Ava, who had already been privy to Elysia’s piano prowess during a concert where she accompanied the lead singer, remained unterly unperturbed by Esther’s challenge.

Elena, ever the believer in Elysia’s abilities, felt no surprise either.

Murmurs began to ripple through the audience. “How can anyone dispute her piano mastery? Ms. Evans is being overly modest,” remarked one.

“It seems Ms. Evans‘ cousin underestimated her, not anticipating such a mesmerizing display, added another.

“No wonder, being a member of the Evans family, excellence follows wherever they tread, praised someone else.

“Clarify which Evans family you’re referring to. There are two Evans clans in Jorlandia, corrected another voice.

“Is it not obvious? In my book, Jorlandia has only ever harbored one true Evans dynasty, clarified the original speaker.

The Evans family indeed had two branches, which had parted ways years ago. Hence, Jorlandia knew of two Evans families, but the populace overwhelmingly acknowledged Edward’s family.

Jim’s family, in terms of influence and prestige, paled in comparison to Edward’s. Their reputation wasn’t stellar–after all, Jim welcomed his new wife into their fold soon after the passing of the first wife. Such familial values garnered little respect.

Discussions intensified, and Jim’s face blanched. He hadn’t anticipated that Elysia possessed genuine talent. He had underestimated her severely.

Recalling the intelligence he had gathered, Jim’s eyes hardened. The file hadn’t mentioned Elysia’s piano skills or her mentorship under Vincent. He began to question the file’s reliability.

It wasn’t until now that Olive and Edward snapped out of their reverie, captivated by Elysia’s piano performance. They gazed at her on stage, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Elysia then rose from her chair and approached Esther, her gaze sweeping over their family. She raised the corner of her mouth slightly and inquired, “So, Esther, how do you find my rendering of the piece?”

Esther remained silent, prompting Elysia to continue, “Why not let Esther serenade us as well?”

Ashley’s expression shifted, and she quickly interjected, “No, that’s quite impossible.”

certainly didn’t hesitate in declining. Perhaps Esther’s skills

I believe you’re the evening’s shining star, making it unsuitable for Esther to perform,” Ashley

night’s focal point. There was no reason that they should

she might have let it slide. But Ashley’s

is meant for enjoyment. Your suggestion implies Nina’s cello skills

1/3

12

Chapter 268

let her play, so I can witness it

83%

mounted. “Ashley, Ms. Evans has a point. Let’s see

suspense any longer. We’re eager

spoken. What more could you possibly

she stood no chance against Elysia. If she took the stage now, their family’s

were clearly waiting for Jim’s family to humiliate itself. They pretended to

gaze towards Olive, thinking that if Olive spoke up, Elysia wouldn’t dare

lend a hand. Earlier, she had actually spoken up in favor of Elysia, earning a harsh rebuke from Jim.

Jim’s anxiety grew. Why hadn’t he anticipated this before? What if Elysia herself couldn’t play the

remained detached, as if it were none of his concern, merely awaiting Elysia’s inevitable embarrassment. Olive knew that Jim had a few tricks up

Olive’s refusal to intervene,

Esther steeled herself

words. Esther was overly confident. With

invite ridicule.

she stepped aside to make

down, and raising her fingers, uncertain where to begin. After a brief hesitation,

audience was puzzled by her choice of tune, but her fingers were already dancing across the

but never

scene with a