Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 439

The moment those words left her mouth, the guests froze, but realization quickly washed over them.

This wasn't a humble performance; it was a blatant challenge!

Tonight was Phoenix's welcome banquet. She was supposed to be the undisputed star.

For Jade to jump out at a moment like this meant she was not only trying to steal Phoenix's spotlight, but also using her as a stepping stone to earn Nolan's favor. It was a masterclass in hitting two birds with one stone.

However, this level of ambition came with massive risk. If her skills were merely average, she would instantly become the joke of the night.

Yet, glancing at Duncan and Lorraine in the crowd, their relaxed, confident postures proved they had absolute faith in Jade's abilities.

Duncan sneered internally. His daughter had displayed terrifying talent since childhood, passing her grade ten piano exam at the age of eight, leaving all those so-called musical prodigies eating her dust.

They had previously tried everything to get Jade under Nolan's tutelage, but all their efforts hit dead ends.

Now that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was sitting right in front of them, they were obviously going to seize it and let Jade shine across the entire elite circle.

"Miss Prescott, my daughter has worshipped Mr. Nolan for a long time. She also just wanted to add some entertainment to your welcome banquet, which is why she acted a bit impulsively. I hope you can forgive her."

Lorraine stepped forward gracefully, her tone the very picture of a reasonable, gentle mother. She paused, then executed a flawless retreat to force Phoenix's hand. "If she has ruined your mood, I'll have her step down immediately."

Phoenix's lips curved into a mocking smile.

Lorraine's words were intentionally throwing her onto the pyre.

If she refused, it would make the 'guest of honor' look incredibly petty and intolerant. If she agreed, and Jade actually stunned the crowd, the spotlight would violently shift to her.

"It's fine. If she has the passion for it, let her play." Phoenix casually adjusted her cuffs, her tone lazy but laced with sharp thorns. "After all, I'm quite curious to see if Miss St. Claire truly knows how to 'play,' or if she merely knows how to 'play pretend.'"

The double-meaning in her mocking remark immediately drew a few low chuckles from the crowd.

Everyone knew exactly what Phoenix was doing; she was backing Jade into a corner.

If Jade failed to deliver a show-stopping performance now, she really would become the ultimate laughingstock.

Jade shot a glare back at Phoenix, her eyes burning with undisguised provocation. What could a country bumpkin from a backwater like Cloudhaven possibly know about high art?

Tonight, I'll open your eyes and show you what a true genius looks like! As long as she executed this piece perfectly and earned Nolan's favor, she would be the undisputed queen of the night.

"Please, begin."

Nolan took a half-step back and gestured toward the piano.

However, Phoenix didn't even spare her a glance. She was simply swirling the tall glass in her hand out of sheer boredom, watching the crimson wine leave cold, elegant streaks along the crystal.

Jade frowned, scoffing internally. Just as I thought, a classless hick who has no capacity to understand true, refined art.

She masked her disdain, turning back to Nolan with sparkling eyes full of desperate anticipation. "Mr. Nolan, what did you think of my performance?"

Nolan nodded slightly, his tone carrying genuine approval. "You played well. To have reached this level of proficiency at your age is indeed commendable."

Hearing this, Jade's eyes lit up immediately, a flash of uncontrollable triumph crossing her face.

She was absolutely certain now—with her undeniable talent, Nolan was definitely about to offer her an apprenticeship.

"However..." Nolan shifted his tone, just about to continue.

"Everyone!" Jade, unable to contain her scheming any longer, boldly raised her voice and cut the maestro off completely.

She tilted her chin up, her gaze cutting through the crowd to lock perfectly onto Phoenix. "I heard my aunt was once an incredibly rare piano prodigy. Since she is the chosen successor, I'm sure Miss Prescott must have perfectly inherited that exact same talent."

She couldn't wait to aim her spear directly at Phoenix, every word dripping with confrontation. "I am confident Miss Prescott would love to play a piece for us and truly open our eyes."

With that, she stared unblinkingly at Phoenix, a malicious, fake smile curving her lips as she pressed forward slowly, "Isn't that right, Miss Prescott?"