NovelEnglishChapter 219 Citrine paid no mind to the murmurs and grumbling in the crowd below. She kept playing at her own steady pace, unfazed and composed.
As the voices of complaint grew louder, Citrine's hands moved ever more energetically across the piano's ivory and ebony keys. The music picked up speed, each note tumbling after the next, the melody surging and crashing like a violent storm-urgent, relentless, and heavy with emotion.
Her fingers flew so fast that all anyone could see were fleeting traces, the blur of motion left in their wake.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAnd yet, despite the breakneck tempo, she didn't miss a single note.
The music swelled, growing more and more intense, when suddenly someone in the audience gasped.
"Oh my God, that's 'Black Moonlight,' the signature piece of the late music legend! It's considered the most difficult piano composition in the world. I can't believe Citrine is playing it." "And she hasn't missed a single note! Until now, only the legend himself could pull it off from start to finish." "If I'm not mistaken, Ms. Carmichael hasn't looked at the sheet music once." "Did you notice? Her technique, even her emotional phrasing-she's almost a mirror of the legend himself. Honestly, her interpretation is even more moving than his original recording." "I'll admit I was a bit loud earlier-I used to think Regina was talented, but compared to Ms. Carmichael, she's got a long way to go." "Ms. Carmichael's the truly gifted one. I never expected to hear a flawless performance of 'Black Moonlight' here tonight. Elbert's five million was worth every penny." As the final note faded, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Weston held his head high, beaming with pride-his granddaughter had once again astonished him.
Meanwhile, Elbert and Regina looked absolutely miserable. No one had expected Citrine to play the piano, let alone master the late legend's iconic piece. That performance alone was proof enough of Citrine's skill; whatever resentment they still harbored, Elbert and Regina had no choice but to join the guests in applause.
Weston, basking in the glow of Citrine's triumph, shot Elbert a smug look. "Well? Isn't my granddaughter remarkable?" Elbert, watching Weston strut about, was seething inside. He forced a strained smile. "Ms. Carmichael is indeed remarkable." As soon as Citrine stepped down from the stage, Weston rushed to her, pulling her protectively to his side.
He eyed Elbert with a cool, guarded stare. "My granddaughter has put up with enough here tonight. We'll be taking our leave." "Weston, this is my birthday party-you can't just walk out," Elbert protested, his last trace of a smile vanishing, his face gone pale.
Weston, the most distinguished guest tonight, had been invited precisely to lend prestige to the event. For him to leave halfway through was a slap in the face.
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But Weston had made up his mind. He looked at Elbert expressionlessly, his voice carrying a warning. "Elbert, you've crossed a line tonight. Don't let it happen again." Elbert stiffened, realizing Old Weston was truly angry. He didn't dare say another word.
Weston turned to Citrine, his tone gentle. "Con, Citrine. Let's go home." The memory of tonight's cold stares and snide comments toward his granddaughter still burned in Weston's mind. He felt a pang of guilt for all she'd endured at her age-first with the Iverson family, now here. As her grandfather, he vowed never to let her be hurt again.
Citrine stared at Weston, a little dazed. She couldn't help but feel that he, like Raymond, was acting strangely gentle lately-but it was a change she didn't mind at all.
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