The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 457:

And now, remarkably, this captivating woman belonged with him. A smile transformed Nate’s features, enhancing his already striking appearance, as he savored the perfection of the moment.

Until the final note faded into silence, the audience remained utterly still, breath held in rapt anticipation.

Then, as if a spell had been broken, Corrine rose gracefully to her feet, a confident smile playing at her lips. Poised and self-assured, she swept her gaze across the room.

“If there were any shortcomings, I apologize for your understanding.”

Her voice, calm and composed, cut through the lingering hush. For a moment, the crowd remained stunned, processing what they had just witnessed.

Then, scattered applause rippled through the hall—tentative at first, but swelling into a thunderous ovation.

Seated below the stage, Leah felt a sharp sting of humiliation. Her fingers clenched around the fabric of her dress as disbelief coiled inside her. Corrine could actually play the piano. And not just play—her performance had been masterful, the kind of skill that could not be honed overnight.

“Miss Burgess, I wonder if my performance met your expectations?” Corrine inquired.

of her daze, forcing her lips into

truly exceptional. I am not

she was seething. Every fiber of her being burned with the desire to claw that smug expression right off Corrine’s face. This had been deliberate. A calculated move to humiliate

rest on

Leah’s eyes. Amusement danced in her

Burgess, you are too modest. I have not practiced in ages. How could I compare to you and Miss Ashton?

gentle, the sharpness in her words did

Leah’s smile wavered.

had been watching the

hard work, but talent.”

“Talent always trumps effort.”

has long been regarded as a talented woman,

may not come from an influential family, but she is beautiful, intelligent, and capable. Why would Mr. Ashton choose Leah when Corrine is

the prestige it once did. And what exactly makes Leah a lady of