Her gaze then shifted to Lilah. "Oh, Lilah, I remember you used to play the piano as a child. Why don't you give us a piece?"

Her suggestion was intentional.

The Phillips family had always favored Adaline, even buying her a piano. Marlene recalled a Christmas visit when Lilah was caught playing the piano in secret, earning a severe scolding from Helga.

In Marlene's eyes, Lilah was a nobody, yet here she was, daring to rival Laura, a daughter from a prestigious family, even attempting to snatch her beau.

Marlene was eager to highlight the stark contrast between a true lady and Lilah.

ALL eyes turned to Lilah, curious to see if she could play.

Lilah met Marlene's gaze with a subdued smile. "Are you certain?"

“Absolutely, Lilah. Don't hold back. Laura hadn't played for years, yet she excelled. You should do even better," Marlene said, her praise dripping with insincerity.

Should Lilah falter, their disappointment would be all the more palpable.

"Let's see it, Miss Phillips!" someone called out from the crowd.

Laura, with a gentle smile, encouraged, “There's nothing to worry about, Lilah. We're among friends."

Lilah's gaze dropped to the goblet she was idly swirling, her face a mask of calm. Yet, to Marlene, her hesitation looked like fear, a reluctance to face potential embarrassment.

"Never mind. Perhaps Lilah fears the embarrassment. You were marvelous, Laura," Marlene taunted, aiming to ruffle Lilah.

Laura let out a resigned chuckle. "You always put me on a pedestal."

"It's the simple truth. And Lilah, there's no need for nerves. No one will fault you for a less than perfect performance."

Gerard watched Lilah with a discerning eye. Before he could speak, Lilah answered Marlene, “Is that so? Well, that's a relief."

Lilah rose to her feet.

A spark of triumph flashed in Marlene's eyes, confident that her bait had hit its mark.

Marlene believed it was the opportune moment for Lilah to experience a touch of humiliation.

Marlene brimmed with anticipation.

Every eye in the room fixated on Lilah as she took her place at the piano. In that instant, the woman and the piano melded into one, casting a hush over the air until her fingers graced the first piano key...

The melody, Like radiant sunlight, swiftly bathed the entire banquet hall in brilliance, instantly transforming it into a resplendent expanse of bright yellow.

Uninitiated onlookers might have mistaken this for a solo recital.

Initially, Marlene had harbored a desire to chuckle at Lilah's expense but her countenance froze, doubt infiltrating her thoughts.