Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 226

The bottom of the glass tapped against the table with a crisp clink.

"Understand it?"

Phoenix let out a soft scoff and slowly stood up.

Her black dress swayed slightly with her movements, exuding a cold elegance that outshined even the expensive piano.

She leisurely strolled over to the instrument, her slender fingers tapping against the lid, the two crisp sounds striking straight at everyone's hearts.

"Phoebe, when Nolan wrote this piece, the first half was about being pushed to the brink of death, and the second half was about rising from the ashes. The core theme is 'carnage' and 'rebirth'."

Phoenix lifted her gaze, her eyes sharp as blades piercing right through Phoebe. "But you? You played it like the baseless moans of a bitter, lovelorn woman. Weak, pathetic, and filled with petty self-pity."

She leaned in slightly, her tone dripping with disdain. "It was simply... an insult to the music."

"You're speaking nonsense!!"

Phoebe's defenses instantly crumbled. Her carefully maintained mask shattered into pieces as she shrieked, "What does an ex-convict like you know about piano?! You haven't even met Maestro Nolan. What gives you the right to critique me?!"

Vanessa was so furious she slammed the table and stood up. "Phoenix Prescott! Shut your mouth if you don't know what you're talking about! Stop embarrassing yourself! If you're jealous of your sister's talent, just say so!"

"Jealous?"

Phoenix looked as if she had just heard the funniest joke in the world. The smile didn't reach her eyes, replaced by an aura of absolute, terrifying confidence.

"If you all think that was talent..."

Fast! It was way too fast!

Her hand became a blur over the keys. Every note was precise and powerful, sounding like a roaring condemnation, tearing everything down only to rebuild a new life from the wreckage!

Barrett was playing with his lighter when the sudden, majestic aura hit him. His hand trembled, and the lighter dropped onto his lap with a clatter. But he didn't even notice, his jaw slacked as he stared blankly at the woman radiating absolute dominance.

Cora was even more stunned. She stood up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "This... this kind of dynamic variation... This is exactly the vision Maestro Nolan wanted to convey!"

When the song ended, the lingering echoes hung in the air, refusing to dissipate.

Phoenix pulled her hand back, her expression indifferent, as if the earth-shattering performance was as effortless as swatting a fly.

She turned her head to look at the pale, trembling Phoebe and said flatly, "That is 'The Abyss.' Yours was, at best, a 'gutter'."