Chapter 233
Pitting a professional music academy graduate like Delilah against an amateur like Eliana was downright unfair. Eliana was practically being bullied here
But in such a public setting, Theodore had to maintain an appearance of fairness. If he showed even a hint of favoritism, people would just say Eliana was nothing more than a pretty face with no substance.
After rubbing his fingertips thoughtfully, Theodore unexpectedly said, “What’s the point in me judging? Let the audience decide. That’s the fairest way.”
Hearing this, Delilah froze. ‘Wait… could Eliana actually play the piano better than me? Is that why Theodore is so confident about letting the audience judge us?‘
Theodore turned his gaze to Eliana and asked softly, “Have you ever played the piano before?”
Eliana leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Well… you could say I’ve dabbled in it.”
Growing up, her parents had devoted almost all their educational resources–tutors, lessons, and opportunities–to Hannah alone.
Her very first encounter with the piano was at the rehabilitation center. The director, who was like a mother to her, would gently place her small hands on the piano keys and play it softly with her, day after day, hoping to help her open up emotionally.
“That’s all the experience you need,” Theodore said, taking her hand and leading her toward Delilah.
Seeing this, Delilah ground her teeth in frustration, thinking, ‘Is he really going to spoil her like this? He’s even personally escorting her over just so she can play the piano.‘
But as it turned out, bringing Eliana over wasn’t Theodore’s real intention. After Eliana took her seat, to everyone’s surprise, Theodore gracefully raised his hands and settled into the space beside her.
At this, the audience erupted in an uproar. Even Eliana was just as stunned. Delilah thought, ‘What’s going on? Is Theodore going to be his wife’s representative and play the piano in her place instead?‘
Delilah’s eyes widened in shock. “Theodore, what on earth are you doing?”
Theodore replied coolly, “There’s no rule against a duet, is there?”
‘A duet?‘ Delilah thought, utterly stunned.
“Theodore, you’re actually going to play with her?” Delilah’s voice rose sharply in disbelief.
Theodore replied, “That’s right. A duet is a standard performance format even on international stages. Don’t tell me you didn’t know that?”
‘Of course I know that. I’m a music major!‘ Delilah thought indignantly.
Seeing Delilah rendered speechless, Theodore turned his gaze to Eliana and asked with a gentle smile, “Ready to begin, my dear Mrs. Russell?”
Eliana snapped out of her daze and asked, “Wait. You haven’t even told me what piece we’re playing?”
“Just play what you know,” Theodore said calmly. “ll handle the rest.”
In that moment, Eliana suddenly thought, ‘My man is so hot.‘
“Alright, shall I begin?”
“Go ahead.”
After taking a deep breath, Eliana began to play, letting her childhood muscle memory guide her fingers as she thought, I’m really grateful to the director for giving me such warm memories.‘
1/2
Wed, 25 Jun
Chapter 233
“What the heck? Her level is…” Delilah was just about to call Eliana a complete amateur when Theodore abruptly joined in, cutting her off met sentence
Everyone present marveled at Theodore’s effortlessly fluid, virtuosic playing. He could have easily stolen the spotlight, yet he deliberately yielded seara for Eliana to shine, ensuring the performance remained a duet rather than his showcase.
Eliana’s part might’ve been simple, but once Theodore joined in, it was like the final stroke that brought everything to life–subtle, not overdone, yet jast right. They had the kind of harmony that made people stop and smile without even realizing it.
Suddenly, someone exclaimed, “How romantic.”
Gradually, murmurs of admiration began to ripple through the crowd.
“Exactly. They’re totally in sync. I bet they’ve played together at home countless times.”
“This is so romantic. I could listen to this forever!”
“Who was it that just said Eliana isn’t good enough for Mr. Russell? Just look at them side by side. They’re literally made for each other.”
Theodore’s show of affection at this moment wasn’t the blind, over–the–top kind–it was measured, perfectly timed. It was the kind that didn’t force people to flatter Eliana just because of his power, but he made them genuinely respect her.
AD
