Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 161

Chapter 156

Author’s POV

Gerard’s blue eyes remained fixed on Aires, sharp and unyielding.

“If Talia started playing the violin at five years old, fifteen years of practice would mean she was still playing at twenty.”

He tapped his cane against the floor. “Talent is important, of course, but there is also something to account for the hard work and continuous training that shapes a musician. Nobody can reach that level just by self-teaching.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“The varied styles she adapted in her playing… it couldn’t have come from just locking herself away in a room. In fact, not even I could have taught her that, if she had only studied under me without exposure to other influences.”

His voice hardened. “The woman in that video has

qbgiously undergone serious training.”

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Gerard’s gaze slid to her, then back to Aires. His voice took on a knowing tone. “Maybe, Mr. Perseus, you do not understand your wife as well as you think you do.”

Something shifted in Aires’s chest. An uncomfortable weight he could not name. He had always thought he knew Talia well. But her behavior recently had made him question just how much he really understood her.

For hell’s sake, he didn’t even know she played the violin.

Gerard’s voice snapped him back. “I know that in wealthy families like yours, it is common for wives to stay out of the public eye. If your wife does not want to perform, that is fine. But if she could come to some music seminars or

discussions, that would be good enough.”

Imema’s eyes widened. She knew that after extending an invitation, Gerard typically assessed a person for a while before making any decisions about taking them on as a

student.

His standards for selecting pupils were notoriously strict, almost obsessive. He had invited hundreds, maybe even thousands of people over the years, but only about fifteen or sixteen had actually been accepted as his disciples, 3:01

ar

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She had thought that even if Gerard showed some interest in Talia’s playing, he probably wouldn’t accept her as a student. But this sounded like he was already considering it. Why her? Talia had not played the violin in five years. Why was Gerard giving her such special

treatment?

She suppressed her frustration and smiled, though her voice carried an edge. “Mr. Adler, it is not that Alpha will not let her play. It is that she is too busy taking care of the kids. Honestly, Alpha’s wife used to work with the violin, but since getting married and having children, she has decided to stay home as a full-time housewife. Alpha has tried to persuade her to get back to work, but she is just not interested. He could support her financially, but he cannot force her to do anything.”

She paused, letting her next words land. “Besides, she has not touched her violin in five years. The video you saw… it was actually filmed five years ago.”

Gerard’s expression shifted. His frown deepened, disappointment settling into the lines of his face. “She has not touched her violin for five years after getting married?”

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A memory popped up in his mind. He had taken a female

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He had expected her to make a name for herself in the music world. But she had married quickly after graduation. While he understood her desire for marriage, what bothered him was that she immediately became a

full-time housewife and had children.

When he suggested she return to work, she had accused him of meddling, of guilt-tripping her. She had married an extremely wealthy man, and to cut ties with him, she had repaid every cent he had spent on her education.

Gerard did not care about the money. It was the effort, the time he had invested. To be used as a stepping stone to a rich marriage, it was unforgivable in his eyes.

After that, he had developed a deep aversion to full-time housewives. He could not tolerate the thought of a talented woman wasting her potential just to stay at

home.

The idea that Talia had neglected her violin for five years hit him hard. Even if she had raw talent, time would have dulled it. He sighed heavily, shaking his head. The hope drained from his expression.

He stood. “In that case, forget it.”

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actually her junior. Please, could you give me a chance?”

Gerard looked at her, unimpressed. “If you were from Ravenswood Institute and Mr. Perseus personally spoke on your behalf, I might consider it.” He paused. “But Altheria University…” He shook his head. “Forget it.”

He was not looking down on Altheria University. But any truly gifted musicians who graduated from there would at least make it into their Hall of Fame. He had never heard

of this girl. Her talent? Probably nothing special.

Imema’s face flushed. Humiliation burned in her chest.

She looked at Aires with teary eyes, her expression a mix of hurt and desperation.

Aires’s brow twitched. He stood, walking over to Gerard. “Mr. Adler, if you could give Imema a chance, I will owe

you one.”

Gerard did not spare him any mercy. “Mr. Perseus, many people want to owe me favors. If I let everyone who owes me a favor send people my way, my students would be all over the world by now.”