After Sharon's performance came to an end, the hall fell into a moment of hushed silence.Then, someone began to applaud, followed swiftly by thunderous clapping that echoed through the entire venue.Those who understood music could immediately recognize just how flawless the performance had been.Even those who didn't grasp the technicalities found themselves moved by the melody and offered their applause without hesitation.The piece, First Love, had brought the evening to an emotional peak.Sharon's interpretation was unlike any of the previous performers—imbued with a rare, ethereal quality.It was the kind of music even a layperson could appreciate. Far from the lifeless, rigid concerts many were used to, this was alive and soulful.In the audience, Abby couldn't help but exclaim in admiration."She's incredible! Even someone like me, who doesn't understand the violin at all, feels like listening to her play is a genuine pleasure. And she looks perfect with my brother! Wha
All these years, Sharon had lived adrift, never once enjoying even a fraction of the Kalen family's resources.After the incident with Cole, had Sharon admitted her role on the spot, Richard might have seen her as bold and accountable, perhaps even gained a measure of respect for her.He might even have chosen to let the matter go.But her refusal to own up to what she'd done left him bitterly disappointed.Apart from her looks, she hadn't inherited any of her mother's excellence.After Sharon left the Kalen family, Richard had reflected on this. Perhaps, he thought, he had expected too much from her.She hadn't grown up like her mother, nurtured in privilege and afforded the finest education.He already had an exceptional daughter. Hence, there was no need to demand the same from Sharon.Yet now, watching his daughter on stage, he suddenly saw a flicker of Shayla in her. Perhaps she wasn't as lacking as he had assumed.Beside him, Victoria sat with a relaxed smile—at first. B
Sharon played her original breakthrough piece, First Love.The beautiful melody shimmered like countless stars scattered across the night sky.A bright full moon slowly emerged, its pale light reflecting off the rippling water like a layer of frost.The atmosphere in the hall gradually hushed.This violin solo was serene and gentle, tinged with a faint melancholy, yet it was never bleak or despairing.It didn't weigh heavily on the listener but instead invited them to drift into memories of the past—an inexplicable resonance stirring within.Richard sat in the audience, his gaze fixed on Sharon's graceful figure on stage, his mind wandering into a haze.Her silhouette seemed to merge with the image etched deep in his memory.Suddenly, he recalled the moment he first fell for Sharon's mother—seeing her play violin on stage with such earnest focus and brilliance.Even the darkness of night could not dim her radiant light.He had never mentioned to the Kalen brothers or Sharon t
"If Maestro Warner sees her perform, he'll probably thank his lucky stars he never took her on as a student… Hahahaha!"But before the laughter could fade, the dim lights flared to life once more.Sharon stepped onto the stage with quiet elegance.Under the soft glow of the spotlight, she stood like the brightest star in the night sky.Carter's gaze sharpened ever so slightly.For a fleeting second, he felt as if the entire atmosphere around him had stilled.Beside him, Theo murmured in awe, "Mommy… it's really Mommy!"Madeline frowned, her expression filled with disdain. "No matter how you dress up a pheasant, it'll never become a phoenix."Denise, however, couldn't help but marvel, "Is it just me… or is Sharon getting more and more beautiful?"Kelly's expression soured.Nate, on the other hand, felt a sharp sting to his pride, like a slap to the face. It burned.Elsewhere in the audience, Melanie excitedly grabbed hold of Ginny's hand. "It's Sharon! It's really her! I have
Wendy had already lost hope, but the moment she saw who entered, her eyes widened with surprise and delight.She rushed over. "Sharon, are you okay?""I'm fine. Something unexpected happened," Sharon replied, walking in. "Sorry I'm late… Did it affect the performance?""Not at all! You're just in time!" Wendy said quickly. "Right now, John, Casey, and Matty are performing an ensemble. I'll let them know through the earpiece that you've arrived. Get ready. You'll be onstage soon."Sharon nodded.Wendy accompanied her into the dressing room, helping her into her gown while quickly briefing her on what had happened out front."Just now, John took the stage. He said today's performance… wasn't what we thought. It isn't a simple charity show for seniors."Not everyone in the audience is elderly. He noticed a lot of unfamiliar faces. And even… people from the Kalen family. Including your father, your older brother… and that illegitimate daughter."A flicker passed through Sharon's ey
A paternity test confirmed the truth. The boy was indeed Kenneth's biological son.The revelation nearly drove his wife mad. She didn't kill the woman directly—instead, she used the cruelest of methods to torment the boy until he died.When Kenneth learned the truth, he severed all ties with his wife and, despite the family's objections, divorced her. The once-courteous couple became bitter enemies.Amidst their escalating conflict, Kenneth's first love took advantage of the chaos. While no one was paying attention, she quietly left with another child and vanished without a trace.It turned out she'd given birth to twins. She knew, as a commoner, she couldn't win against the powerful Westin family. So she disappeared, hoping to save at least one of her children.Back then, the scandal between Kenneth and his ex-wife had shaken high society. Even Victoria had heard whispers of it.The ex-wife's venomous nature became common knowledge. People shunned her. No one dared marry her. No