Chapter 167

Isabella Langley cast a casual glance at Fiona Valentine, her lips curling into a faint, icy smile.

At the piano, Fiona sat with perfect posture, her fingers dancing across the keys. Suddenly, a sharp pain twisted through her abdomen.

Gurgle—

She bit down hard on her lower lip, sweat beading at her temples. The music stopped abruptly, replaced by an awkward, unmistakable sound.

The room fell silent.

Fiona's face flushed crimson. She stumbled off the stage, the whispers rising behind her like a tide.

"Oh my god, how embarrassing..."

"How is she ever going to face Sebastian now..."

The bathroom mirror reflected her disheveled state. Fiona crouched on the floor, burying her face in her arms.

"Need a tissue?"

Isabella stood behind her, holding out a handkerchief embroidered with gardenias. Fiona couldn't hold back anymore—she threw herself into Isabella's arms and sobbed.

"Don't rub your eyes with your sleeves." Isabella gently stopped her, dabbing the tears away with the silk handkerchief. "You'll hurt your skin."

When the crying subsided, Isabella asked casually, "Did you eat anything before going on stage?"

"I only had a sip of water..." Fiona froze. "Evelyn gave it to me!"

Just then, the stage lights blazed to life.

Evelyn Roland glided forward in a silver-blue mermaid gown, the sequins on her skirt shimmering like moonlight on waves.

Gasps rippled through the audience.

"Since when did she learn piano?" Alexander Roland gripped the armrests, tense.

Sophia Roland smiled warmly. "My daughter shines brightest wherever she stands."

Edward Roland patted his wife's hand, his gaze never leaving the figure on stage.