Chapter 418

"Honestly, it's none of your concern, and you have no right to interfere!" Evelyn snapped before striding purposefully toward the academic building.

Victoria clenched her fists, watching Evelyn's retreating figure with barely concealed frustration. "Evelyn Carter, you better stop right there and explain yourself!"

Evelyn glanced over her shoulder, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Nathaniel's grandfather lived a long life because he knew when to stay out of other people's business. Whether I learn or not is my choice—not yours."

With that, she continued walking, a faint smirk playing on her lips as she dismissed Victoria's earlier insults.

Playing the piano had always been nothing more than a personal indulgence for Evelyn.

She had no interest in competitions or performing in the upcoming showcase. Her only goal was to reclaim the childhood joy that had been stolen from her.

Though her early memories had faded with time, the familiar notes of the piano stirred fragments of the past she thought she'd lost.

Evelyn headed straight to an empty classroom on the fourth floor. Taking a deep breath, she let her fingers dance across the keys, playing the melody from memory.

This lullaby always brought her an inexplicable sense of peace.

The room filled with the soft, melancholic notes of the piano, blending seamlessly with the distant harmonies of other instruments echoing through the halls.

Victoria froze mid-step, her expression twisting as she recognized the hauntingly familiar tune.

Her voice came out strained. "Did you hear that?"

Charlotte frowned, confused. "Hear what, Ms. Sinclair? There are multiple instruments playing—classes are still in session—"

"No, the piano. That lullaby. Who usually plays it?"

Victoria had previously tasked Gregory with investigating everyone she'd added on social media.

Yet none of them matched the person she was searching for, and all claimed ignorance about the lullaby's existence.

Still, there was no mistaking it—the melody was unmistakable.

Despite her frequent visits to this part of campus, she hadn’t heard the tune again—until now.

For a moment, doubt crept in. Had she imagined it? Was her mind playing tricks on her?

But this time, the music was real.

Victoria quickly pulled out her phone and recorded the faint strains of the piano, barely audible beneath the other instruments.

Yet to her, it stood out like a beacon.

That melody—she would recognize it anywhere.

Charlotte hesitated before speaking. "If you're looking for the person who plays that piece, maybe I can help? I've been around this university for years. I might know who it is."

Victoria forced a smile. "Yes, I'm searching for a childhood friend. We were inseparable, but life tore us apart."

Her voice softened with fabricated nostalgia. "This lullaby... it was something only the two of us knew. A secret between us."

"What's your friend's name, Ms. Sinclair?"

"She was a girl I met while volunteering at an orphanage."

Victoria carefully omitted the truth—that she, too, had grown up in that orphanage.

As her gaze fixed on the building ahead, a shadow flickered in her eyes.

Now, she was certain.

The true heiress of the Sinclair family was inside.