Chapter 211: Is Juniper Christopher's Biological Daughter
At Christopher's Mansion in Southern City, the Abbotts welcomed a new addition—Christopher's true daughter, Sophie.
Christopher told the chef to whip up a feast to welcome Sophie home.
At dinner, Juniper and Ronald were there too.
Christopher, grinning ear to ear, raised his glass, "Let's give a big welcome to Sophie, back with the Abbotts."
Everyone clinked glasses and took a sip.
At the table, Christopher chatted a bit with Sophie, then turned to Juniper, "I heard you play the violin, and you're pretty good at it."
Juniper gave a humble nod, "Just a bit."
Before coming to the Abbotts, Sophie had done her homework on the family.
She raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I saw a video of Harper Beaumont, it was awesome. Dad, didn't you say you love the piece Golden Hearth? The vibe is perfect tonight. Juniper, could you play it for us?"
Ever since his wife Bella passed away, Christopher seldom attended concerts. He especially avoided Golden Hearth as it might bring back too many memories.
He looked at Juniper with hope, "Quinn, could you play it for us?"
Today was a happy day.
Not only was he reunited with his real daughter, but his adopted kids were there too, making it a full family gathering.
Christopher had a bit of red wine and was feeling good.
Juniper didn't want to kill the mood, so she said, "If I mess up, don't laugh at me."
Christopher suddenly remembered something and looked at her warmly, saying, "Jerry, go get Bella's violin."
"Mrs. Abbott's violin?" Jerry was a bit shocked.
That custom-made violin was Bella's keepsake. She often played Golden Hearth on it for Christopher, and he had kept it safe, not letting anyone else touch it.
Now, he wanted Juniper to play it?
"Yeah, bring it down for Quinn to play. That violin sounds amazing," Christopher said. Jerry and Juniper both felt it was off.
Jerry was puzzled. "Dad, what if I damage the violin?"
"It's fine; it's just one performance. It won't get damaged. Jerry, what are you waiting for? Go get it," Christopher said.
With Christopher's order, Jerry had no choice but to go along, "Alright, I'll go get it."
When Jerry brought down Bella's violin, Juniper tested its sound.
Christopher asked, "How does it sound?"
"The sound is amazing, rich and warm," Juniper said, standing up, placing the violin on her shoulder, tuning it, and getting ready to play.
Christopher curiously asked, "You don't need the sheet music?"
"No, I got it memorized," Juniper said confidently.
Golden Hearth was a level ten piece, but she didn't need the sheet music.
Back in the day, Bella had the same talent.
Juniper stood there, totally into it.
The sweet sound of the violin flowed from the strings, grand yet soothing, like a clear stream in a valley.
Every note she played was spot on.
Christopher watched her, slowly getting lost in the moment, as Juniper's figure seemingly overlapped with Bella's younger self.
Her expression while she was playing the violin was especially similar.
Even Old Du couldn't help but say, "Mr. Abbott, Ms. Beaumont's way of playing the violin is so much like Mrs. Abbott when she was young."
Others might mistakenly believe Juniper was the Abbotts' real daughter.
But Jerry kept quiet.
After all, Sophie was right there, and hearing that would definitely make her feel awkward.
Sophie was the Abbotts' real daughter.
Ronald had personally done the paternity test, so there was no way it was wrong. Plus, Sophie had a birthmark on her back.
Everything checked out.
No mistakes here.
Maybe there were just people who looked alike in this world, no biggie.
One could only say that Christopher and Juniper were indeed destined to cross paths.
Christopher looked at Juniper, lost in thought. "Yeah, they were so similar."
The beautiful music hit its peak.
Then, out of nowhere, a string snapped, and the music came to a sudden stop.
Jerry's brow furrowed; a broken string wasn't a good sign.
"Mr. Abbott," Jerry said, worried.
Christopher waved it off, "It's fine. This violin hasn't been played in years. Even though the strings are maintained, they're old. It's normal for them to break. Just replace the string, no big deal."
Juniper apologized, "I broke the string, so I'll handle replacing it."
"Alright. I think this violin suits you well. If you like it, I'll give it to you." When Christopher said this so calmly, everyone was stunned.
Naturally, Juniper couldn't accept it, "Dad, it's too valuable. I can't take it."
This was Bella's keepsake, holding special sentimental value for Christopher.
But for Juniper, it was just a violin.
Christopher, however, didn't mind it, smiling, "I used to keep this violin in the cabinet, afraid it would gather dust. But violins are meant to be played. If it's not played, it just sits there. After so many years of not being played, the string broke after one performance. Bella used to say that we should pass on art. If no one plays this violin, it's just a waste. Take it. If you feel it's too valuable, just play it for me often."
Ronald chimed in, "Quinn, take it. Since Dad has decided, if you don't accept it, he'll be unhappy."
Christopher pointed at Ronald and laughed heartily, "Ronald really knows me."
With Christopher's words, Juniper couldn't refuse and gladly accepted, "Dad, I'll take good care of this violin."
"Good," Christopher smiled.
Dinner was wrapping up.
Christopher was a bit drunk, and Jerry helped him stand up.
Christopher said, "I drank too much tonight. My head's a bit dizzy. You all enjoy yourselves. I'll go rest."
Sophie followed, "Dad, let me help you upstairs."
"Alright." As Sophie helped Christopher to the stairs, he remembered something and turned to Jerry, "Don't forget to give those concert tickets to Ronald."
"I know."
After Christopher went upstairs, Jerry handed the concert tickets to Ronald. "These are from Mr. Christopher Abbott's friend. Ms. Quinn Abbott likes the violin, right? You can take her to the concert."
Ronald glanced at the tickets, his eyes lighting up. "It's Lucas's tour. Quinn, I remember you like Lucas?"
Lucas was a master violinist and Juniper's idol.
"His tickets are hard to get." Juniper clearly wanted to go.
Ronald seized the moment, suggesting, "Shall we go together?"
Jerry added, "Tomorrow is the weekend. Ms. Abbott, you have been busy at the company this week. You look exhausted. Why not relax at the concert tomorrow?"
Juniper didn't think much. "Sure."
Seeing her agree, Ronald couldn't help but smile.
Christopher was right, if you like someone, you should take the initiative. Waiting around won't win your beloved's heart.