Chapter 188

Evelyn instinctively glanced upward. Sebastian's words drew an involuntary chuckle from her lips. Two figures on the balcony observed the exchange with keen interest.

Nathan's expression darkened instantly. He set down his crystal tumbler with deliberate force and descended the grand staircase without hesitation. "Tristan! Control yourself!" Harrison called out urgently.

What else could explain Nathan's sudden movement? As fate would have it, the evening's musical performance chose that moment to conclude. The musicians took their bows to enthusiastic applause from the assembled guests.

Most performers exited stage left, but Yuna remained center stage.

Spotting Evelyn across the room, the Korean pop star flashed a calculated smile. Isabella immediately moved closer to her friend. "Is she planning something?" Evelyn merely shrugged with practiced nonchalance.

"If she's begging for humiliation, who are we to deny her?" Isabella arched one perfectly sculpted eyebrow, reassured by Evelyn's composure. On stage, Yuna addressed the crowd. "Good evening everyone. I'm Yuna Takahashi, and I'm deeply honored to perform for Mr. Hart's birthday celebration."

Polite applause followed as Sebastian raised his glass in acknowledgment. The atmosphere remained cordial but restrained.

When silence returned, Yuna continued, "If I may be so bold, I'd like to invite Ms. Sterling to join me on stage."

"Ms. Sterling, would you honor us with a musical performance for our esteemed host?" Malice dripped from every syllable.

Yuna's resentment burned bright. So what if Evelyn came from money? The Takahashi family owned half of Seoul! Why should she kowtow to some American heiress? And the way Lucas Sterling doted on his sister... it made her sick.

Evelyn's lips curved into a dangerous smile as she regarded the scheming performer.

What gave this glorified karaoke singer the audacity to make such a request? Did she think Evelyn would embarrass herself? Or perhaps she expected a refusal that would make Evelyn appear arrogant?

Sebastian's pleasant expression froze. He gestured sharply to his butler. "Where the hell did you find this idiot?" The poor man turned ashen, sweat beading on his forehead.

If only he'd vetted the entertainment more thoroughly! Yuna pressed on. "Ms. Sterling, is performing beneath you? Or perhaps..." She feigned sudden realization. "Do you not play at all?"

Her mocking tone carried perfectly across the room. The faux sympathy in her eyes couldn't mask the glee dancing in their depths.

Sebastian muttered a curse. "Evelyn, ignore her-" He moved to intervene, but Evelyn caught his wrist.

Her sidelong glance at the stage would have frozen lava. After a quiet chuckle, she sipped her champagne and handed the flute to a passing waiter.

With effortless grace, she gathered her couture gown and ascended the stage. Under the brilliant lights, Evelyn's presence reduced Yuna to little more than a poorly dressed stagehand.

Evelyn stood bathed in spotlight, her flawless skin glowing with an almost ethereal radiance. The transformation from society heiress to celestial being was complete.

Yuna stiffened, mouth opening to speak, but Evelyn smoothly plucked the microphone from her grasp. The move was executed with elegant finality.

Evelyn's icy gaze swept over her rival. "You may leave now."

And with those words, Yuna Takahashi's career ended. Without another glance, Evelyn turned to the audience with a slight bow before gliding toward the grand piano.

A hushed anticipation fell over the crowd. No one had ever witnessed Evelyn Sterling perform publicly. Beyond the carefully curated press releases from Sterling Corporation, she remained an enigma.

Evelyn settled at the piano bench, her posture regal. When her fingers touched the keys, the opening notes of a reimagined Canon in D filled the hall.

Gasps rippled through the audience. Her interpretation blended technical perfection with raw emotion - not merely a rendition, but a revelation. The music became an extension of her soul, revealing resilience, passion, and quiet strength.

It was artistry of the highest order.

Evelyn at the piano became a living masterpiece, so captivating that time seemed suspended. The entire ballroom held its breath, unwilling to break the spell.

As the final notes faded, Evelyn rose with a knowing smile toward Isabella, who immediately produced an exquisitely wrapped gift. Sebastian's gaze held such tender admiration it could have melted diamonds.

Evelyn accepted the velvet box and revealed a Patek Philippe timepiece that caught the light with every glittering diamond. "The music was for everyone. This," she said, holding the watch toward Sebastian, "is just for you."

Her words still hung in the air when a strong hand closed around her wrist. Evelyn...