"Miss Lancaster, you don't have to listen to her,” Elara said, looking at Serena. “You don't have to prove anything to her. Your professional critique already demonstrated your ability. Mr. Kessler is a respected authority; he will render a fair judgment.”

Serena's eyes lifted slightly at the corners, a carefree smile gracing her crimson lips. Her expression held a lazy amusement, like a queen observing ants.

"If

you all want to play, then let's play."

She took a sip of her lemonade.

Then, she rose languidly to her feet. "Consider it a little something to liven up Brianna's party, and an apology for my earlier scuffle."

She shot Brianna a small, knowing smile.

Brianna's eyes sparkled. She blinked, watching her Serena with excitement.

Hehehe~

Did Serena mean...

She was going to perform on stage just for her?

For her.

And only for her!

The young woman was so thrilled she was practically buzzing.

Elara Hale wasn't as relaxed as Brianna. She leaned in, her voice low with worry. “Miss Lancaster, don't be rash. They're obviously trying to humiliate you..."

She was afraid Serena would be at a disadvantage.

After all, even if Serena had learned piano, the quality of education in the countryside was no match for someone like Isabella, who had been tutored by world-renowned masters since childhood.

But Serena simply gave her a faint, reassuring smile.

Then, she walked past her, heading straight for the white grand piano on the stage.

The girl's steps were unhurried, her expression calm and unbothered.

Her striking crimson gown made her already striking features look breathtakingly stunning.

And with her air of composed nobility and the cool, untamed aura of a powerful figure, she was utterly captivating.

Her presence alone effortlessly quieted the once-noisy banquet hall.

That serene, unruffled demeanor sent a strong wave of unease through Isabella.

She subconsciously clenched her fists, her eyes fixed on Serena.

Serena... she couldn't actually know how to play the piano, could she?

"Don't panic," Karen said, sensing her anxiety She chuckled dismissively. "She's just a country git. A failure who didn't even finish. high school. Even if she learned

piano for a day or two, it's all just talk.”

She glanced disdainfully at the girl now seated at the piano. "If she were really that

amazing, would the Wynn family have thrown her out?"

"She's just putting on an act!"

Isabella's fingers tightened.

Right!

Karen was right!

How could Serena possibly compare to her? She had been trained by masters since she was a child propped up by countless resources and had won so many awards.

And those Wynns were a bunch of opportunists who only cared about profit. If Serena had any truly remarkable talent, the Wynn family would have held onto her tightly, squeezing every last drop of valge from her.

They never would have been so eager to kick her out the moment they brought Hailey back.

It could only mean one thing: Serena had absolutely no value to offer them!

She had investigated Serena's life with the Wynns.

In that lower-tier social circle, Serena was known as a pathetic people-pleaser.

Desperate to stay with the Wynn family and win the affection of that young master from the Cole family, she had debased herself, throwing away all her dignity.

If Serena truly had piano skills that surpassed her own, wouldn't she have shown them off long ago to convince the Wynns to keep her?

That's it.

Serena was faking it all!