Walter met her gaze, seeing that glimmer of emotion deep in her eyes. His smile widened a little.


    "Your little quirks were quite noticeable during your performance. Walter recounted smoothly. "When the tform moved up and down, those afraid of heights usually grip the piano from above for stability, but you did the opposite, supporting it from underneath. You were worried the top wasn''t secure?


    "The piece you yed was challenging and fast. You probably haven''t learned professional techniques and didn''t make grand gestures during shy parts to enhance visual impact; rather, you shifted from slow to fast. Furthermore, after your performance, you withdrew your hands gently, instinctively protecting the piano.


    "I wasn''tpletely sure, but seeing your reaction now confirms it."


    Shakira felt a whirlwind of emotions. Everyone praised her,plimenting her piano ying and simply enjoying her performance. But Walter noticed those little details and from them, deduced her preferences


    Shakira felt a mix of indescribable emotions inside her, warm and tingly, as if a feather was gently brushing against the tip of her heart.


    She turned her head slightly, looking at the wless, clear piano keys, and recalled. "When I was young, there was an older girl next door who taught piano. Every evening. I could hear her ying beautiful, enchanting melodies."


    "One day, when Jessie and Lago went out for drinks and didn''te back, I finished my chores early and secretly went next door to watch the older sister y the piano."


    "She noticed me eavesdropping and warmly invited me in, holding my hand to teach me how to y "Ode to Joy." After ying through it once. I already knew how to y it


    "The elder sister was pleasantly surprised and taught me a few more songs, all of which I memorized after just one ythrough.


    "The next day, she told Lago and the others about my talent for piano and suggested I learn it seriously, but Jessie used, her of trying to scam them for money. Then they beat me for leaving the house unattended. After that, I never mentioned learning the piano again. "Later, during middle school, I had a summer job at a music store. I stayed there for two months. The owner noticed that I had a perfect pitch and asked me to y daily to attract customers. After ying so much. I became quite skilled."


    Walter gazed intently at her profile. Her tone was calm and her eyes showed no emotion; talking about her past was as mundane as discussing the weather.


    As Walter listened to every word she said and saw her calm demeanor, an inexplicable heaviness and difort weighed on his heart. He had never been one to pity others or to develop unnecessary emotions towards them Yet somehow, he just couldn''t help but feel sorry for her.


    Shakira slowly lifted her head, noticing Walter''s intense gaze, which was almost terrifying. She couldn''t help butugh in her carefree manner. "Why the serious face, Walter? That was all a long time ago. I couldn''t care less anymore." She spoke lightly, "Besides, Lago and Jessie have already gone bankrupt. It''s like getting my own back in a way"This content ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Walter coldly stated. "What they''ve faced isn''t nearly enough"


    Shakira was taken aback as she understood the meaning behind his words. Her eyes curved slightly, and a dark glimmer failed in her eyes. They had swapped out their daughter for her life, drained her, trampled on her like she was nothing- Just bankruptcy was not enough That was just the beginning.


    .


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    П


    Shakira blinked, suppressing the storm of darkness in her eyes, and returned to her usual self. Suddenly, she thought of something and looked at Walter with eager anticipation. "How about we try ying a piano duet together?" Walter replied seriously, "I can''t y the piano."


    "No way!" Shakira eximed. How could the heir of the Lopez family not know how to y the piano? It didn''t make sense.


    Walter casually remarked. "Will this help to conduct business?"


    Shakira shook her head. "Not for business, but it sure works for romance."


    Walter suddenly realized. "No wonder Benji is at an eighth-grade level in piano-it''se in handy."


    While enjoying life at Veiled Vine, Benji sneezed two or three times in a row.


    Shakira looked doubtful again. "You really can''t y the piano?"


    Walter stayed calm. You could teach me. Who knows, maybe I have some talent too.


    Shakira''s lips twitched slightly. The idea that Big Devil had waspletely unrealistic as if everyone had talent.


    Then I''ll teach you ''Ode to Joy. It''s the simplest." Shakira gently guided his distinct fingers to the transparent keys as she spoke.


    Her cool, smaller hand wrapped around his warm,rger one, carefully arranging his fingers.


    The tune goes like this." Shakira hummed quietly, watching as his hand followed the rhythm to press the keys.


    Walter pressed a few keys, but his pressure was uneven.


    Frowning. Shakira said, "No, no, you need to keep your pressure consistent, not heavy one moment and light the next" She stood up, leaned over his back, and ced his hands on hers to help him feel the rhythm. Walter slightly tilted his gaze, focusing on her serious expression. A yful smile spread like stardust in his deep, mysterious


    eyes.


    Tonight, the moonlight was bright and clear. Surrounded by tall trees, the little vi echoed with the enchanting sound of piano music, which was warm and delightful.


    After Shakira bailed on their streak ns, Xanthe went to find Enrique, hoping for a ride home with him.


    Seeing his daughter return safe and sound, Enrique sighed in relief. Then he suddenly suggested, "I have a private dinner with Mr. Reynolds tonight; how about you join us?"


    Xanthe perked up slightly. "With Sean?"


    "That''s right, didn''t you always say you wanted to meet Mr. Reynolds? If you want to go, thene along. If not, I''ll have Daveke you home," Enrique said, doting on his daughter. Knowing she wasn''t fond of such social events, he asked for her opinion several times. "Alright, I''ll go. After all, he''s a major sponsor of our family. No need to wait, I''ll see what he''s really like today."


    Enriqueughed. "You cheeky girl, just be nice when you meet Mr. Reynoldster and focus on having a good meal."


    Xanthe waved her hand. "Okay, okay, do I seem like a troublesome kid who doesn''t know better? He''s our important sponsor, I''ll make sure to treat him well"


    The dinner venue was chosen by Sean, a fancy Bris restaurant


    Enrique took Xanthe into the private room. Sean wasn''t there yet, and since this was Xanthe''s first time seeing the new surroundings outside, she felt a bit restless. "Dad, I''m gonna take a look around."


    Before Enrique could say anything, Xanthe had already slipped out.


    In the main hall outside, beautiful dancers in light clothing were performing belly dances Xanthe wandered around for a bit, checking the time, and decided to go to the bathroom before heading back to the private room.


    Just as she turned into the public wash area, she saw a tall man being pinned against the wall by one of the dancers.


    Xanthe quickly backed away, but not before noticing the man was wearing sunsses and a mask. He was slim and tall, and his eye-catching belt logo p