Chapter 263: Chapter 263: Attention-Seeking for Fame
Fiona Vaughn looked at Cecilia Vaughn, with a smile on her face like a spring breeze, but the provocation at the corners of her brow and eyes couldn’t be hidden from Cecilia Vaughn.
"Sister, I remember you wanted to learn the zither before, but you practiced poorly. But it’s no wonder, you were playful then, distracted and couldn’t learn that boring stuff well. In the end, you gave up on the zither yourself, right?"
Speaking in a joking tone, Fiona Vaughn subtly painted Cecilia Vaughn as someone who didn’t study hard and wasted money.
Cecilia Vaughn felt a sarcastic sensation rise in her heart upon hearing her words.
"Fiona Vaughn, you might have memory issues. Wasn’t it your mom who said there wouldn’t be money for Evan’s heart treatment if I learned the zither? I gave up on the zither out of ’consideration’ for the family’s expenses."
"Later, your mom even sold the zither my mother left me, claiming the money was for Evan’s medicine."
"..."
Having the truth of the past exposed, Fiona Vaughn suddenly felt somewhat embarrassed.
"Sister, is that so? I don’t quite recall."
"Selling the zither for medicine money?"
Stacy Summers furrowed her brows first.
"Cecilia, although the Vaughn Family isn’t as wealthy as The Law Group, it’s still a publicly listed company. How could they not afford for you to learn the zither?"
For ordinary families, supporting children learning the arts might be difficult, but Gregory Vaughn, the CEO of a listed company, definitely wouldn’t be penny-pinching to such an extent!
Unless, Gregory Vaughn’s second wife, Florence Warner, was harsh on the children from his first marriage!
Being astute like Stacy Summers, just a hint immediately gave her a sense of judgment, so she looked somewhat displeased at Fiona Vaughn.
"Fiona, your mother is a bit too harsh."
"Grandma, you’re misunderstanding."
Fiona Vaughn’s lips twitched slightly, forcing a smile as she unfurled a banner of caring for continued education for Florence Warner.
"Sister, Mom was always afraid you’d neglect studying if you learned the zither, and in doing so negatively affect your studies. Mom was thinking of your good, she constantly urged you to study hard day and night, didn’t you later become the top scorer in Stellerton’s college entrance examination and got into Stellerton University?"
Cecilia Vaughn spoke coolly.
"I stayed in high school, not a day school, thank you."
Implying that her achievements were earned through her own efforts and struggles, with zero to do with someone like Florence Warner.
"Also, if learning the zither was a waste of time, Fiona Vaughn, why did your mom enroll you in so many singing and dance classes, and hire private tutors to train you?"
Cecilia Vaughn’s gaze was clear and calm, yet it was akin to a sharp knife cutting through the pretentious façades of Fiona Vaughn and her mother.
"I... I..."
Fiona Vaughn felt anxious.
"Sister, that’s because mom knew my grades weren’t as good as yours at the time, and I wanted to apply to art school and enter showbiz, that’s why she treated me that way. Whereas, sister, you’re different..."
Cecilia Vaughn looked at Fiona Vaughn full of sarcasm, watching her glib excuse with a heart not stirring the slightest ripple.
And Stacy Summers had fully grasped the conversation between the two.
What’s all this about? Under the guise of supporting the stepdaughter’s studies, they extinguished Cecilia Vaughn’s desire to learn the zither, even sold her birth mother’s zither!
Yet, for her own daughter, Fiona Vaughn, they could cultivate artistic talents in all sorts of ways, it’s terribly unfair!
Stacy Summers thus felt increased sympathy for Cecilia Vaughn, affectionately holding her hand, attempting to provide Cecilia Vaughn with some warmth.
"Cecilia, you’re a good kid; no wonder my grandson bought ’Spring Thunder’ for you. My granddaughter also wanted to learn the zither before, if you learn well, you can play for this old lady to hear."
Cecilia Vaughn saw the old lady’s affectionate face and obediently nodded.
"Alright, once I’ve mastered the zither, you’ll be the first to hear my music, grandma."
"Good, good, with your word, grandma will always be waiting."
Rosalind White watched Stacy Summers gaze at Cecilia Vaughn with eyes that made her almost crooked with anger.
She originally intended a piano and zither ensemble to outshine Cecilia Vaughn, who knew this fox spirit would instead gain sympathy and make grandma so empathetic towards her!
What a poor show!
Adrian even bought her a ’Spring Thunder’ worth tens of millions, placed in the hands of someone without skill who only sells pity—it’s wasted!
Rosalind White felt displeased, she held up a bone china cup, gracefully walked towards Stacy Summers, naturally acting coy.
"Grandma, you can’t be biased, you can’t only think of enjoying sister-in-law’s music. Who knows when that may happen, why not listen to mine first, okay?"
While speaking, Rosalind White cast a slightly arrogant glance at Cecilia Vaughn, just skirting Stacy Summers’ line of sight.
—Ha, comparing oneself with a talentless mess is really beneath oneself.
She is a true piano performer with grade ten qualifications and has participated in numerous professional piano competitions, winning both national and international awards!
Cecilia Vaughn was aware she nearly disrupted Rosalind White’s chance to shine, and since Rosalind White was so keen on being the center of attention, she let her be.
Cecilia Vaughn gave a gentle smile.
"Miss White, if you want to play, go ahead, no one’s stopping you from showcasing your artistic ability."
Rosalind White’s face suddenly turned dark.
What does this woman mean, mocking her for grandstanding, seeking attention?
"Sister-in-law, you’re joking... "
Rosalind White felt a bit embarrassed as she curled her lips unnaturally, then took hold of Stacy Summers’ arm and began to act coy.
"Grandma, look at sister-in-law teasing me, I’m not trying to showcase my artistic ability, I’m playing for you. Grandma hasn’t heard me play, but I think grandma is my lifelong soulmate."
This flattery was too insincere...
While Rosalind White had been learning piano for over ten years, she hadn’t played for Stacy Summers. Does this mean she considers her a soulmate?
Cecilia Vaughn’s eyes were indifferent, yet Stacy Summers was chuckling merrily.
"Alright, alright, I’ll have the servants fetch the piano for you."
...
Soon, a European classical white piano appeared before everyone’s eyes.
Before she approached the piano, Rosalind White proudly motioned Cecilia Vaughn with a nod of her chin: "Sister-in-law, I also look forward to you mastering the zither, so we can enjoy your music someday."
Fiona Vaughn echoed with a playful laugh.
"That might take a while."
Only Adrian calmly held Cecilia Vaughn’s hand: "Cecilia playing for me is enough."
Rosalind White was red-eyed with anger, wanting to present her most beautiful side before Adrian.
She knew that when she played the piano, she had charm, lowering her head with skill, gentle and elegant, a beauty Cecilia Vaughn, such a useless person couldn’t match.
Taking a deep breath, Rosalind White sat on the stool, placed her hands on the black and white keys, and struck the first note...
