SWNOVELS Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Stanton’s eyes widened in disbelief Rubbing them, he looked again.
The girl was in a pair of light blue tracksuits. And those familiar, misty eyes slowly
met his as she turned toward his voice Their gazes locked, and Stanton drew a
sharp breath
With Cordelia there, why had the Delaney family gone to such lengths to seek
him out?
The nanny beside him explained. “Mr. Stanton came up when he heard the
piano, so
Stanton was the Delaney family’s quest of honor that day, and Rachel had
instructed the nanny to treat him with the utmost respect.
The nanny couldn't stop Stanton from coming up, leading to him standing behind
everyone
Rachel didn’t mind the unexpected arrival. But why was Stanton staring at
Cordelia? Could Cordelia’s beauty have struck a chord in him?
Frowning, Rachel glanced at Juliana. Like mother, like daughter. Juliana
immediately understood her mother’s concern and sidestepped to block
Stanton’s view of Cordelia.
Rachel approached with a beaming smile. “Mr. Stanton, your presence graces
our humble home! How about we head downstairs for coffee first? Let the kids
get ready so we can proceed with the auditions.
She had already briefed Stanton about a few more candidates for the audition.
But auditions for Cordelia? Stanton swallowed hard. “No, that won't be
necessary”
Rachel paused. “No coffee? Then shall we begin the auditions now?"
She was aware of Stanton’s fame for his go—getter attitude, but his eagerness
took her by surprise.
“Well then,” she agreed and started introducing the candidates, beginning with
her daughter. “This is my Juliana. She's passed her Grade 10 piano and looks to
further her studies with you. She's hardworking and academically excellent. You
can test her skills! Juliana, play something for us, darling.
Juliana stepped forward, a mix of modesty and eagerness in her demeanor. “Mr.
Stanton, I hope you'll give me the opportunity!”
After her plea, she approached the piano, took a deep breath, and played a piece
she had mastered.
The music flowed effortlessly through the room.
Stanton finally snapped out of his reverie, listening to the music while stealing
glances at Cordelia.
Once Rachel introduced Juliana, she turned to Mrs. Collins, looking at her
earnestly. Mrs. Collins was a famed socialite from Greenmeadow, known for her
pride and difficult nature. The Delaney and Smith families were well-off but were
a step away from the upper echelons of society.
There was a charity gala in a few days. If Mrs. Collins could introduce her,
Rachel would enter high society, greatly benefiting her husband's inheritance
battle for the Delaney fortune.
With that thought, Rachel glanced at Lorna.
Lorna was virtually invisible on an occasion like this. Mrs. Collins hadn't given her
a glance or word since she arrived.
As Juliana finished her performance and returned to her spot, Rachel asked, “Mr.
Stanton, what do you think?” He wasn't impressed. Stanton silently criticized, but
this girl was Cordelia’s family, right?
For Cordelia’s sake, Stanton coughed and offered, “Not bad.”
Those two words sent Juliana’s chin tilting upward in pride.
In the piano world, Stanton was known for his strictness. A “not bad’ from him
almost guaranteed mentorship! Rachel suppressed her joy and then pointed to
Joy. This is Miss Collins of the Collins family. Her talent in piano is unsurpassed.
Miss Collins had completed her Grade 10 plano by the age of ten. Unfortunately,
she fell ill and has been deaf and mute since then.”
Admitting Juliana’s inferiority was one thing, but who would bother to teach
someone with disabilities unless they were family?
As Rachel spoke the last sentence, Mrs. Collins’ eyes dimmed, but she didn’t
blame Rachel for the necessary disclosure.
Mrs. Collins signed to Joy, who understood and played the piece again as
Cordelia had shown her.
Stanton listened and gave his one—word verdict. “Pity.”
There was only one Beethoven in this world!
Teaching someone with disabilities was challenging. The young girl indeed had
talent, but Stanton wasn't a philanthropist.
That one word sealed her fate.
Mrs. Collins and Joy's eyes filled with disappointment
Rachel breathed a sigh of relief. The biggest threat was out of the way. She then
turned to Rosina. “This is Miss Smith, a relative of ours and quite proficient at the
piano.”
Rosina’s performance was even more average.
On any other day, Stanton would have been brutally honest, but before Lia, he
shook his head, unable to offer critique,
After the three had played, Rachel finally said. This is Cordelia. She’s never
learned piano.”
Rachel glossed over Cordelia, ready to sing more praises for Juliana, but Lorna
stepped forward anxiously. “Lia is gifted academically She picks up things
quickly, so please, Mr. Stanton, give her a chance.”
Rachel sighed “Lorna, I understand you're eager, but Lia has never learned
piano. The gap is too wide.”
Lorna was about to say something more to plead her case when Stanton’s
incredulous voice cut through the silence. “You've never had a piano lesson?”
Impossible!
Lia's skills on the ivories surpassed his own.
Seeing his reaction, Rachel quickly piled on “That's right, Mr. Stanton. Lia grew
up in an orphanage, you see. There's no way they could afford a piano teacher
there. Plus, the poor girl's always been emotionally out of step. Getting into the
soul of plano playing would be quite challenging for her”
Stanton was stunned. “An orphanage? Of course, they wouldn't have a piano
teacher”
Rachel sensed something off in Stanton’s tone.
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Sensing an opportunity, Juliana cut in
: : « N
with feigned sympathy. “Mr. Stanton,
i e
I know it's an insult to your stature to
)
assess someone who's never learned
B » 9
piano” The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
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After a pause, she turned to Cordelia
. « ses ,
with a sly look “Cordelia, if you're
genuinely interested, how about! you
” .
some lessons?” The content is on
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chapter there!
Goodness always prevails.
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No sooner had Juliana entertained
that thought than the world—famous
pianist Stanton burst through the
crowd, disbelief written on his face,
and rushed up to Cordelia,
Yarstey ihe , 5
exclaiming, “Lia, you've seriously
. ”
never touched a piano?” The content
is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
* Chapter 52
Silence fell
Everyone was rooted to the spot in the upstairs living room, eyes wide and jaws
slack. They couldn't believe their ears.
Had they misheard?
What had Stanton just called Cordelia?
A nickname? Were they that close?
Chapter 53
Chapter 53
a