Chapter 129

Isabella smiled. "Atticus? Do you think I'm bound to lose?"

Atticus was taken aback.

Isabella never had been afraid of these things. She had been forced by Daniel to learn them since she was a child, and she excelled at all of them. How could he doubt Isabella's abilities?

Hearing Isabella's confident response, Atticus felt relieved.

No wonder Daniel had chosen Isabella as heiress; her mindset and perspective were far superior to theirs.

The piece reached its final part, requiring the performer to maintain high-intensity finger techniques while also expressing the emotions within the music.

Except for the emotional part being a bit weak, Violet had accomplished everything else.

As the piece ended, the audience erupted in applause.

This piece was a world-renowned classic, and for Violet to play it to this level was no small feat.

Without at least a decade of practice, Violet couldn't have managed it.

As she crossed paths with Isabella while stepping off the stage, Violet couldn't hide the pride on her face. "Ms. Taylor, I think I played not bad. I'm sure your performance will be even better."

Isabella sneered. "Of course, I won't disappoint you."

Violet's ambition was even stronger than Isabella had imagined, but encountering Isabella meant she was unlucky.

Violet's face stiffened for a moment but quickly turned into a look of disdain.

Isabella, who had been raised in the countryside for over a decade, what did she know about piano music? There was a world of difference between being able to play and mastering it.

Violet was just waiting to snatch the gem from Isabella's neck, ruin the birthday party, and steal all of Isabella's spotlight.

When Isabella sat down and played the first note, she realized the piano had been tampered with.

She raised an eyebrow and decided to test all the keys, tuning the piano herself.

The chaotic sounds made the audience's faces change.

"Even if Ms. Taylor couldn't play, she shouldn't have to deal with it like this."

"The previous piece left me wanting more. It seems the outcome is decided; Ms. Taylor has lost completely this time."

"Tell me about it! Today is Ms. Taylor's birthday party, and her spotlight was stolen, along with a valuable gem."

"But Ms. Cooper played one of the most difficult pieces. Who could compete with that?"

Hearing this, Violet couldn't help but smile.

She was just fantasizing about where Michael would take her tonight when a rapid sequence of notes interrupted her.

As the prelude quickly set in, Violet could no longer smile.

Isabella was playing a piece known as the world's most difficult etude by this master.

Although Violet's piece was also considered one of the hardest, there was a clear difference in difficulty.

This etude not only required extremely high technical skills but also strong finger and hand capabilities.

It was a must-play piece to test one's level in the industry.

But Isabella could easily handle techniques and heights that Violet didn't even dare to touch; she even expressed the artistic effect to the highest level.

Isabella drew everyone into the intense emotions the piece was meant to convey.

When the final note stopped, the audience erupted into thunderous applause that lasted a long time.

Violet's face was extremely pale; she didn't need to look to know the outcome.

But she couldn't believe that Isabella could play this.

Isabella had struggled since childhood, where did she get the chance to learn such a sophisticated instrument as the piano?

Even if the Wilsons had hired a teacher for her, the fact that even Michael didn't know about it meant she hadn't touched a piano in the last three years.

Moreover, the techniques Isabella used were ones her teacher had mentioned, which were only for those with exceptional talent.

If she couldn't grasp the emotions of the piece, she shouldn't even attempt it.

Realizing Isabella was actually talented in piano, Violet's chest filled with hatred.

After receiving the crowd's praise and admiration, Isabella glanced in Violet's direction.

She hadn't intended to reveal these skills, but Violet had provoked her and even tampered with the piano's tuning, leaving her no choice but to retaliate.

In the Wilson Family for over a decade, Daniel's training had been far more extensive than this.

From the audience, Michael's eyes never left Isabella for a second; he could clearly tell Isabella's abilities and her exceptional handling of technical aspects.

He had been prepared to help her the moment she went on stage, but Isabella had surprised him again.

Not far away, her five uncles were also extremely proud of Isabella's piano performance.

Isabella could never be a weakling, who remained the calmest in the entire banquet hall.

Watching the radiant Isabella, Nolan's face showed a faint smile.

He had known for a long time that Isabella could play the piano and that she was exceptionally talented. He had always kept this as a secret between the two of them.

At this point, people began to mention the bet.

"Didn't they say earlier that if Ms. Taylor lost, she would give the gem Mr. Brown gave her to Ms. Cooper? Conversely, if Ms. Cooper lost, she would have to take off her dress on the spot."

"Ms. Taylor hasn't said anything yet. Why are you in such a hurry? Do you want to see Ms. Cooper take off her dress that badly?"

This remark caused the crowd to burst into laughter.

Their eyes unconsciously swept over Violet, waiting to see if she would really take off her dress on the spot.

After all, everyone had witnessed the piano performance.

Before Isabella went on stage, they all thought Violet would win, but Isabella's abilities had impressed everyone present.

Moreover, Violet had initiated the competition and raised the difficulty to the highest level, clearly trying to steal Isabella's spotlight.

But now, Violet not only didn't win but also had to take off her dress on the spot.

The crowd looked at Isabella, waiting to see how she would handle the situation.

Isabella's face was indifferent as she walked off the stage and strode towards Violet.

Violet, scared by Isabella's gaze, spoke up before Isabella could, "Ms. Taylor, I just wanted to add some excitement to your birthday party. As a hostess, you wouldn't really make me take off my dress here, would you?"

Her face was full of grievance, clearly implying that Isabella should let this go.

Isabella could hold back, but the guests around her couldn't. "Ms. Cooper, that's unreasonable. You have made a bet. If you lose, you have to accept it. You don't plan on reneging, do you?"