Chapter 62
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+38)
A smile appeared on Jade’s face as Vania voiced what she wanted to say. She was curious to see if Ash had any talents at all. If Ash embarrassed her parents in front of everyone, she would lose their affection.
In that moment, they would understand that only truly exceptional people deserved to be called Ms. Turner. A woman from a humble background, even if she were a biological daughter, wouldn’t be fit for that title.
Jade thought, I’m the only daughter of the Turner family
The more Jade thought about it, the happier she became, her gaze fixed on Ash.
Caught off guard, Ash was munching on some snacks and hadn’t expected to be suddenly called out. She felt a bit dazed.
She thought, “What is going on? That pretender loves to perform, but why was she dragging me into this?‘
“Then we’ll wait for Ms. Turner’s performance,” someone nearby chimed in, not knowing the full story and adding to the commotion.
Ash’s and Brooke’s expressions darkened. From what they knew, the Moreno family had provided Ash with everything she needed but hadn’t really invested in developing her personal talents.
Even if Ash could do a few things, she couldn’t compare to Jade, who had been groomed from a young age. They didn’t want Ash to become the subject of gossip in this setting.
Jade has already performed for everyone, and as for Ash, she just got home and still has a lot to adjust to. I hope you can all understand.” Brooke stood up and addressed the crowd, trying to intervene.
The friends invited by the Turner family were respectful. As soon as she spoke, the cheers subsided, but the atmosphere grew a bit tense.
Even the glances directed at Ash took on a subtle change.
“Isn’t this just a show without substance? All appearance and no talent,” Tiffany Rowse, who had just complimented Ash’s looks, whispered.
“You know nothing,” Baz retorted, visibly unhappy. “Ash is just humble. There’s nothing she can’t do.”
“Sounds convincing. If she’s that amazing, why doesn’t she come up and perform?” Tiffany shot back, her gaze turning stern as she looked at her son. “You shouldn’t be hanging around with just anyone. It makes you look like a thug.”
Baz was about to argue but was stopped by a look from Calvin, so he reluctantly fell silent.
Just when it seemed the matter might be brushed aside, Vania suddenly said again, “Isn’t she supposed to have some skills? She clearly promised to perform tonight. How can she deceive me?”
In the now–quiet living room, her voice rang out, and even Calvert cast her a sharp look.
When she met his gaze, Vania flinched, feeling a bit scared.
But thinking of how Calvert had been fooled by a woman who would compromise herself for money, Vania felt a surge of courage. She averted her eyes from Calvert but kept her gaze fixed on Ash.
Jade lowered her head and tugged on Vania’s sleeve, lowering her voice slightly. “Ash just got back and hasn’t had a chance to learn these things. Vania, maybe you shouldn’t…”
Though she spoke softly, everyone at the table could hear her, and the pitying glances toward Ash multiplied.
18 Feb
Kiss
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Chapter 62
Vania, however, ignored it. “You’re just too kind. I see only you deserve Calvert. She doesn’t know any skills.”
“How do you know she doesn’t?” Madeline interrupted, her brow furrowing as she couldn’t bear to hear anyone speak poorly
of her best friend.
“If she’s so talented, let’s see her perform.” Vania boldly challenged, determined to ensure Calvert’s happiness.
Ash stood up, her gaze calmly fixed on Vania. With a serene expression, she replied, “Lying isn’t something a good child should do.”
Vania felt a moment of guilt. To force Ash into performing, she had indeed resorted to some tricks. For some reason, she felt as if Ash could see right through her.
“Really? Could it be you really don’t know any skills?” Vania deflected.
Ash remained unbothered, not viewing the younger girl as her equal. “How about a bet?”
“A bet on what?” Vania asked defiantly, raising her chin.
Ash’s eyes flickered. She didn’t like the idea of performing in front of everyone, but given the current situation, if she didn’t accept, she would embarrass her parents.
Yet, if she agreed too easily, it would seem like she was easy to push around.
After a moment, she said lightly, “I’ll perform shortly. If you’re satisfied with my performance, you’ll have to pay me.”
The tension in Vania’s eyes vanished in an instant. She thought, ‘She has been pretending to be so impressive, but it turns out she is just a common person after money! Luckily, as Calvert’s only sister, Vania was never short on cash.
“Deal,” Vania agreed eagerly, her dissatisfaction with Ash only growing.
Most people in this gathering understood art to some degree. Even if their skills weren’t profound, they weren’t easily fooled. Vania was waiting for Ash to fail in her performance so that everyone would gossip, and then to see if she had the
nerve to continue pursuing Calvert.
Having received the answer she wanted, Ash gracefully stood up, her gaze drifting to the piano in the corner of the living
room.
She happened to have composed a piece during her idle time that would be suitable for this occasion.
Watching her precious daughter walk toward the piano, Brooke felt a wave of anxiety. “What if Ash hasn’t learned systematically and can’t measure up to Jade?”
“Don’t worry,” Josh reassured his wife. “Everyone knows Ash just came back, so they won’t mind. It’s just a chance for her to get familiar with everyone.”
This eased Brooke’s worries somewhat, but she glanced anxiously at Vania. That was Calvert’s sister, and once Ash married into the family, she would have to get along with Vania. Vania didn’t seem to like Ash.
Furrowing her brow, Brooke couldn’t bear to see her precious daughter face any form of hardship.
As she drifted in her thoughts, the sound of the piano filled the room, its melody smooth and captivating. It wasn’t overly complex or deep, but it was beautiful, and that was enough. The music wrapped around her, pleasant and calming, making everything feel lighter.
Ash’s slender fingers danced over the black and white keys, each touch releasing a captivating melody.
The faint background noise gradually faded away, and for a moment, everyone seemed to step into a carefree, worry–free spring.
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Chapter 62
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Not only was the music pleasant to the ears, but it also had a cleansing quality that made the day’s weariness vanish in an
instant.
AD
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