Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 439

The moment those words left her mouth, the guests froze, but realization quickly washed over them.

This wasn't a humble performance; it was a blatant challenge!

Tonight was Phoenix's welcome banquet. She was supposed to be the undisputed star.

For Jade to jump out at a moment like this meant she was not only trying to steal Phoenix's spotlight, but also using her as a stepping stone to earn Nolan's favor. It was a masterclass in hitting two birds with one stone.

However, this level of ambition came with massive risk. If her skills were merely average, she would instantly become the joke of the night.

Yet, glancing at Duncan and Lorraine in the crowd, their relaxed, confident postures proved they had absolute faith in Jade's abilities.

Duncan sneered internally. His daughter had displayed terrifying talent since childhood, passing her grade ten piano exam at the age of eight, leaving all those so-called musical prodigies eating her dust.

They had previously tried everything to get Jade under Nolan's tutelage, but all their efforts hit dead ends.

Now that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was sitting right in front of them, they were obviously going to seize it and let Jade shine across the entire elite circle.

"Miss Prescott, my daughter has worshipped Mr. Nolan for a long time. She also just wanted to add some entertainment to your welcome banquet, which is why she acted a bit impulsively. I hope you can forgive her."

Lorraine stepped forward gracefully, her tone the very picture of a reasonable, gentle mother. She paused, then executed a flawless retreat to force Phoenix's hand. "If she has ruined your mood, I'll have her step down immediately."

Phoenix's lips curved into a mocking smile.

Lorraine's words were intentionally throwing her onto the pyre.

If she refused, it would make the 'guest of honor' look incredibly petty and intolerant. If she agreed, and Jade actually stunned the crowd, the spotlight would violently shift to her.

"It's fine. If she has the passion for it, let her play." Phoenix casually adjusted her cuffs, her tone lazy but laced with sharp thorns. "After all, I'm quite curious to see if Miss St. Claire truly knows how to 'play,' or if she merely knows how to 'play pretend.'"

The double-meaning in her mocking remark immediately drew a few low chuckles from the crowd.

Everyone knew exactly what Phoenix was doing; she was backing Jade into a corner.

If Jade failed to deliver a show-stopping performance now, she really would become the ultimate laughingstock.

Jade shot a glare back at Phoenix, her eyes burning with undisguised provocation. What could a country bumpkin from a backwater like Cloudhaven possibly know about high art?

Tonight, I'll open your eyes and show you what a true genius looks like! As long as she executed this piece perfectly and earned Nolan's favor, she would be the undisputed queen of the night.

"Please, begin."

Nolan took a half-step back and gestured toward the piano.

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