Chapter 202
Evelyn pushed open the glass door of the café, greeted by the rich aroma of coffee.
She had only intended to grab a drink, but the sound of piano music caught her attention.
The melody drifted from the back of the café, flowing smoothly at times, stumbling at others.
Following the sound, Evelyn found Sophia surrounded by a group of socialites, seated at the piano.
"Mrs. Roland, what exactly are you playing?" A woman in a Chanel suit giggled behind her hand.
"I thought we'd hear Chopin," another chimed in.
Sophia's fingers froze on the keys, her face paling slightly.
"Perhaps I could teach you?" Mrs. Lowell offered with false sweetness. "Our family employs a professor from the Vienna Conservatory."
Soft laughter rippled through the group.
Evelyn stood at the edge of the crowd, her gaze turning icy.
She watched Sophia's hands twist nervously, nails digging into her palms.
"Mom." Evelyn's voice cut through the chatter.
The café fell silent.
Sophia looked up, her eyes already glistening.
Evelyn strode to the piano and gently covered her mother's trembling hands.
"Let me help."
Her fingers danced across the keys, transforming the simple tune into something breathtaking.
"This..." Mrs. Lowell's eyes widened.
"A variation of La Campanella?" someone gasped.
As the final note faded, Evelyn rose gracefully.
"Allow me to introduce my mother." Her gaze swept over the stunned faces. "As for me—you may know me as Maestro."
"Impossible!" Mrs. Lowell shrieked. "Maestro can't possibly be this young!"
Evelyn smirked, pulling a gilded business card from her bag.
The name Maestro gleamed above the emblem of the International Piano Association.
"Shall I play Liszt's Feux Follets as proof?"
The socialites exchanged uneasy glances, their faces draining of color.
Sophia pressed a hand to her mouth, tears spilling over.
"Evelyn..." she whispered.
Evelyn clasped her mother's shaking hands.
"Let's go home."