Chapter 255 Melodies of the Past
+8 Pearls
“The older sister was surprised and taught me a few more pieces. I only needed to hear them once each time before I could play them from memory. The next day, she told Bennett and Sophie that I had a talent for piano and should learn it professionally. But Sophic scolded her, saying she was scheming to cheat them out of money. After that, they beat me again, saying I was neglecting my duties at home by running around outside. I never brought up learning the piano again.
“Later, in middle school, I worked for two months during the summer break at a piano shop. The owner noticed I have perfect pitch and had me play the piano every day as a way to attract customers. I played so often that I naturally became more proficient.”
Emyr fixed his gaze on her profile, his expression unreadable.
Her tone was calm, her eyes devoid of emotion, as if she were merely recounting the weather.
But the more she spoke in such a detached manner, the heavier his heart felt. A tight, indescribable pressure settled in his chest.
He had never been one to sympathize with others. He never wasted emotions on people who didn’t concern
him.
Yet with her, he couldn’t help it.
Charmaine lifted her head and met his deep, intense gaze. She chuckled, once again putting on her usual carefree demeanor. “Why that face, Mr. Emyr? That was a long time ago. I don’t care anymore.”
She spoke lightheartedly. “Besides, Bennett and Sophie are bankrupt now. I’d say I’ve gotten my revenge.”
Emyr’s voice was cold. “What they suffered is far from enough.”
Charmaine was momentarily stunned. Understanding his implication, she curved her lips into a smirk, her eyes glinting with darkness.
They had exchanged their own daughter for hers, stolen her life, drained her blood, and treated her like trash.
Was mere bankruptcy enough?
This was only the beginning.
Charmaine blinked, suppressing the storm brewing inside her, and returned to her usual composure.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. She looked at Emyr, excitement flashing in her eyes. “Why don’t we try playing a duet?”
He responded with a straight face, “I don’t know how to play.”
“No way!” Charmaine exclaimed in disbelief.
The esteemed heir of the Crosses didn’t know how to play the piano? That was practically impossible!
Emyr remained indifferent. “Will this help me negotiate business deals?”
Charmaine shook her head. “Not for business, but it’s great for romance!”
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Chapter 255 Melodies of the Past
+8 Pearls
Emyr seemed to have an epiphany. “No wonder Kane reached Grade 8 in piano. So it was for this purpose.”
Meanwhile, Kane, happily enjoying his time in the Regal Tavern, sneezed thrice.
Charmaine was still skeptical. “You really don’t know how to play?”
Emyr looked entirely at ease. “You can teach me. Maybe I have a natural talent for it.”
Charmaine’s lips twitched. The great Satan sure had unrealistic expectations–did he really think the talent was something everyone just had?
“Alright, I’ll teach you ‘Ode to Joy. It’s the simplest.”
She guided his long, well–defined fingers to the transparent keys, carefully placing them in the right position.
Her cool, delicate hands enveloped his warm ones as she adjusted his posture precisely.
“The melody goes like this.”
Charmaine softly hummed the tune while watching his fingers follow along.
Emyr played a few notes, but the pressure was uneven.
Charmaine frowned. “No, no. Your touch has to be balanced. You can’t press too hard on some notes and too lightly on others.”
Giving up on words, she stood up, leaned over his back, and wrapped her arms around him, placing her hands over his to guide him through the movements.
Emyr slightly turned his gaze to her focused expression. A subtle, almost imperceptible smile flickered in his deep eyes.
The night was serene, the moonlight bright and gentle. The melody of the piano filled the small villa, warm and enchanting.
Meanwhile, having been ditched for the meal, Celeste looked for Dominic, hoping to hitch a ride home.
Seeing his daughter return safe and sound, Dominic felt relieved. Then, he suddenly suggested, “I have a private dinner with Mr. Chapman tonight. Would you like to come along?”
Celeste, who had been sulking, perked up instantly. “Rex Chapman?”
“Yes. Didn’t you say you always wanted to meet him? If you want to come, join us. If not, I’ll have Marcus drive you home.”
irst.
Dominic adored his daughter. Knowing she didn’t enjoy business socializing, he asked for her opini
“I’ll go! He’s our biggest client. No better time than now to finally see what he looks like in person.”
Dominic chuckled. “You, my girl, better behave when you meet Mr. Chapman. Just focus on having a nice dinner.”
