Chapter 170
Suddenly, she felt an urge to give up.
But, turning her head, her eyes fell on Ivan, seated on the couch.
The man who had been engrossed in reading documents was now attentively listening to Alice as she spoke.
It was clear that Ivan had a keen interest in the piano.
With eyes closed then slowly opening, Emily asked, "Master Alice, may I try once more?"
"Of course," Alice responded with a smile. "First, you need to relax, let your whole body loosen up. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere the music creates. Once the emotions start to brew inside you, let them flow through your fingertips like water, pouring into each key…."
Emily nodded and took her place at the piano once again.
Back in her teenage years, when she was still on good terms with Haley, Haley had patiently taught her piano practice techniques.
But how could she embrace the tips from Haley, someone she despised and couldn't stand?
Only now did she realize that Haley’s words bore a striking resemblance to what Alice was saying...
She closed her eyes, and slowly the image of a teenage Haley sitting by the piano came to mind.
She didn't know how to blend her emotions into the music, but she could replicate Haley's melodies.
Before they turned eighteen, she and Haley were inseparable. She listened to Haley play every day, and some tunes had burrowed deep into her soul. She could even mimic Haley's playing style...
This time, Emily wasn't playing "Für Elise."
Instead, she chose “Piano Sonata No. 5 in the Night," a piece Haley often practiced in her teens.
As the melody spilled from Emily's fingertips, Ivan was taken aback.
He had heard this tune before.
At eighteen, during a visit to his alma mater for a speech in Cuenca, he passed by the music room and was captivated by the stunning music.
This piece was common, yet he had never before heard such a masterful blend of sorrow and joy.
All he saw was a graceful young lady at the piano. By the time his lecture was over and he returned, she was gone.
Many midnight dreams later, the melody still echoed in his ears.
Eight years on, he couldn't believe he was hearing it again.
Ivan’s gaze grew complex as he watched Emily.
When the piece concluded, Alice couldn’t help but applaud, "Ms. DeRoss, you are immensely gifted. My few simple words of advice, and you've understood so much so quickly..."
Emily exhaled deeply, "I was just playing around. I hope, Master Alice, you don't think I've butchered the piece..."
"I must've heard 'Nocturne in Steel, Opus 5' at least a thousand times, but I've never seen anyone play it quite like you do," Alice said with appreciation in her eyes. "You've got real potential. Stick with me, and I believe you'll carve out your own niche in the music world soon enough..."
Emily glanced at Ivan instinctively, her eyes meeting his as he watched her. Her heart started pounding—this was the first time this man had truly looked at her. It seemed Keith had indeed been laying the groundwork for her to become part of the Winston family, and she was determined not to let Keith's efforts be in vain...
After Alice had left, two hours later, Ivan had remained seated in the living room the entire time. Once she was gone, he finally looked up and asked in a gentle voice, "Did you attend high school in Cuenca at the Central Institute?"
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