The Wrong Woman

Wendy couldn’t help but tease, “Oh, come on, you can’t handle the idea that Suzanne might be better than you, can you? I got this painting verified by experts, and it’s an authentic piece by Inkwell.

“Suzanne’s an artist who makes millions for charity.”

Taylor chimed in with a nod, “Yup, it’s legit.”

Layla’s face flushed with anger, but she couldn’t come up with a comeback. Suzanne felt a bit awkward about Wendy confidently stating something she wasn’t entirely certain about.

On the sidelines, Nathan smirked as someone in the family was finally recognizing Suzanne’s talents.

Lindsey huffed in annoyance, “Elyse is a trained artist, unlike some who paint casually and sell their art for millions.”

Wendy fired back, “Even casual paintings can make millions. I wonder if your goddaughter’s artwork can sell for any money.”

Lindsey was left without words.

Taylor chuckled as he rolled up the artwork. “Nowadays, there are s many college students, but their qualifications aren’t that impressive

“Lots of them can’t even land jobs, and what they create is just for personal satisfaction!”

Lindsey felt a surge of anger. Suddenly, her eyes landed on a nearby piano, and her face lit up.

“Elyse is a fantastic pianist, too,” Lindsey declared.

She guided Elyse toward the piano and suggested, “Elyse, how about playing a piece for everyone?”

With no hint of modesty, Elyse bowed to the people in the living room. “Allow me to showcase my skills.”

Taking a seat, she played a thoroughly satisfying piano piece.

Coming from a musical family and possessing a profound understanding of music, Layla scowled with disdain as she listened.

Others, less versed in piano techniques, found the piece enjoyable and well-played.

Following the performance, Lindsey enthusiastically applauded and bragged, “Elyse is truly incredible. Her piano skills are outstanding.

She’s a genuine talent!”

Gary and Florence politely joined in the applause, while the rest displayed a somewhat lackluster response.

Proud of her talents and quick to look down on others, Layla sneered, Isn’t this just a Grade 5 piano piece? Even elementary school kids

practicing piano for a year or two could play it better.

“How about trying ‘Piano Concerto No. 3’?”

Elyse sensed the sarcasm and appeared somewhat uneasy.

She forced a smile and gracefully replied, “I’ve heard your mother renowned music master. Why don’t you play that piece for me? love to broaden my horizons.”

Uninterested in a musical competition, Layla bluntly admitted, “I’m just average at the piano and can’t tackle the world’s most challenging pieces.

“With all the hype from Lindsey, I thought you could. Well, never mind.”

“I…” Elyse hesitated.

Lindsey felt perplexed. Her intention was for Elyse to outshine

Suzanne, but it had unexpectedly turned into a verbal exchange with

Lavla.

Redirecting the focus, Lindsey said, “Even though Elyse may not

tackle those highly challenging pieces, she’s still a hundred times better than someone crass like Suzanne, who lacks musical talent and can’t even grasp musical notes.”

All of a sudden, Suzanne felt stuck in the middle of an argument, and she didn’t know what to say.

Nathan’s face got serious, and he said with displeasure, “Aunt Lindsey, are you going after my wife today?”

“Nate, you’re being harsh. I don’t get why you think I’m going after her. How about we keep it simple? Let Suzanne play a birthday song.”

But Lindsey didn’t stop there and continued to poke fun. “She can’t even play a birthday song, can she? Even someone like me, who knows nothing about the piano, could manage it just by looking at

the sheet music.”