Chapter 19
Chapter 19:
The moment Fernanda’s final word echoed through the room, an even deeper silence settled, more profound than any before.
Erika was the first to break the stillness, her gaze fixed on Fernanda, her tone mixing disapproval with a hint of reproach. “Fernanda, even if your performance was better than Ava’s, your words were unnecessarily harsh. That was quite hurtful.”
“Hurtful?” Fernanda replied, her tone flat and unconcerned. “From my perspective, her playing was nothing but trash. If you don’t see a problem with that, Erika, it just means you lack true musical taste.”
“You…” Erika began, but her words faltered as she glanced at Ava, whose face had gone pale, mirroring Erika’s own embarrassment.
Fernanda’s remarks had certainly been cutting.
Yet within the audience, there were those who sympathized with her.
Fernanda’s performance had been undeniably exceptional. To those with a discerning ear, Ava’s clumsy playing had been almost unbearable in comparison.
Besides, Fernanda hadn’t volunteered to perform; she had been forced into it. Now that she had shown her superiority, why should she be expected to hold back her criticism of Ava’s mistakes? To some, it seemed as if the majority were unfairly singling out Fernanda, making her an outsider.
From among the guests, a voice spoke up. “Fernanda, I agree with you. Compared to your artistry, Ava’s playing sounded like garbage!”
“Absolutely! Fernanda’s performance was stunning!”
“Ava, maybe it’s time for a little humility. No one should call themselves the best without considering there could be someone even more talented.”
Your source for updates gⱯlnσν𝓮ls․com
As more voices voiced their support for Fernanda, both Erika and Ava found themselves cornered, their expressions hardening with discomfort.
Robert stood in stunned silence. To his amazement, Fernanda’s extraordinary talent had come to light, filling him with a surge of pride.
The surrounding chorus of admiration and praise was exhilarating. In sharp contrast, Fernanda ignored Ava completely, stepping down from the stage and settling into the sofa with an air of exclusivity, as if she were wrapping herself in solitude and distancing herself from the world. Gradually, the hall regained its calm, convivial atmosphere, making the earlier discord feel like nothing more than a passing disturbance. Yet, many eyes remained fixed on Fernanda.
Erika simmered with rage, barely able to contain her urge to scream. How could this be? Instead of exposing Fernanda as an unsophisticated outsider, Erika had been forced to watch her become the star of the evening.
Seething with resentment, Erika caught Ava’s furious glare. Ava’s eyes burned with accusation, as if Erika were the ultimate betrayer.
“Ava, I…” Erika stammered.
“You assured me she was a clueless country bumpkin who had never learned a thing in her life!” Ava snapped, her voice sharp with blame. “This is the second time you’ve deceived me!”
Previously, Erika had convinced Ava that Fernanda would appear gauche and vulgar, yet Fernanda had turned out to be stunningly elegant and composed.
“Ava, please…”
But Ava’s glare was merciless as she stormed away. Brushing past Erika, she deliberately slammed her shoulder against Erika’s, sending her stumbling into the piano. A jolt of pain shot through Erika’s lower back, bringing tears to her eyes.
Erika was left overwhelmed by a sense of injustice and helplessness. She genuinely hadn’t misled Ava and couldn’t understand how everything had gone so completely awry. The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt, and silent tears slipped down her cheeks.
After Fernanda finished her second glass of wine, a staff member approached and spoke quietly, “Miss Morgan, Mrs. Harper requests your presence.”
Setting her glass down, Fernanda stood and followed the staff member upstairs.
The room at the far end of the second-floor corridor was spacious and lavishly furnished. As the door opened, Fernanda saw a figure standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Even from behind, Judie’s silhouette was unmistakable, her form highlighted by the elegant lines of her gown.
At the sound of the door, Judie turned and watched as Fernanda approached. With each step, the unique hem of Fernanda’s dress fluttered, occasionally revealing her beautiful legs.
Even Judie had to admit, however reluctantly, that Fernanda was strikingly beautiful.
Yet, Fernanda’s presence evoked an unsettling sense of familiarity, stirring something strange and uneasy.
Stopping a few steps from Judie, Fernanda met her gaze steadily and greeted her. “Hello, Mrs. Harper.”
“You’re quite beautiful, and your piano skills are remarkable.”
“Thank you for the kind words,” Fernanda replied, her voice calm and composed, fully aware that Judie’s intentions were far from mere flattery.
Judie held Fernanda’s gaze and spoke pointedly. “To some, you may be captivating, but to me, you are not. There is no way I will allow you to marry into this family. This engagement ends here and now.”
.
.
.