Chapter 111

Evelyn spun on her heels, her lips curling into a mocking smile as she addressed Beatrice. "Aunt Beatrice, is it truly so impossible for you to admit that I'm more accomplished than your precious Genevieve?"

Beatrice opened her mouth but no words came out, her face flushing with indignation.

Liam rose from his seat with deliberate slowness, his movements controlled as he reached for Evelyn's hand. "Come," he said quietly. "Let's retire to our chambers."

Though unsettled, Evelyn allowed herself to be led away, her fingers trembling slightly in his grasp.

Behind them, Cassandra launched into another heated argument with Beatrice.

Isabella was practically vibrating with rage. She stormed over to the sofa where Sebastian sat transfixed and delivered a sharp kick to his shin. "Had enough entertainment? Move your ass!"

Startled from his reverie, Sebastian scrambled after his furious wife.

Maxwell and Penelope exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to reconcile the virtuoso pianist they'd just witnessed with the same Evelyn they'd dismissed as unremarkable.

Meanwhile, Richard was whispering excitedly to Eleanor. "Who knew our Evelyn possessed such extraordinary talent, darling? My mother truly had impeccable taste!"

Eleanor nodded, her eyes wide with wonder. "Absolutely astonishing. Not only is she the renowned Isabella Grayson, but to play like that? It's beyond comprehension."

Richard shook his head in amazement. "I suspect this is merely the tip of the iceberg, my dear. Her musical and artistic gifts are extraordinary, particularly the latter."

"As the famous Isabella Grayson, she's never exploited her talents for personal gain. I believe these are simply her passions," Eleanor mused.

"Does she have other professions?" Eleanor inquired.

"I'm uncertain, but those vile rumors about her past must be fabrications. Someone clearly manufactured them!"

Eleanor's expression darkened. "Undoubtedly malicious lies. Evelyn is an exceptionally gifted and beautiful young woman. The notion that she would manipulate men for money is preposterous."

Richard's voice turned steely. "From this moment forward, anyone who dares slander Evelyn will answer to me."

Liam closed the bedroom door with deliberate care while Evelyn stood frozen in the center of the room, her mind racing. How could she possibly explain this to him?

Liam turned to face her, planting his hands on his hips. He drew a deep, steadying breath, but awe still coursed through his veins.

His gaze lifted to the ceiling as he exhaled sharply. Once again, Evelyn had left him utterly dumbfounded.

The depth of her talent and mystery was unfathomable. If Evelyn ever regained her full memories and personality, the revelation might send shockwaves through their entire world.

"Liam..." Evelyn's voice was small as she nervously twisted her fingers together.

He studied her intently before pressing two fingers to his temple, uncertain how to begin this conversation.

"This was my first time touching a piano in three years," Evelyn confessed quietly. "I didn't even know I could play."

Liam lowered his hand, his expression grave. "Natural talent can accelerate progress in painting. Some prodigies create masterpieces within a year or two of study."

Evelyn nodded cautiously.

"But piano is different," Liam continued. "It demands years of disciplined practice to develop muscle memory. The piece you played was technically demanding, yet you executed it flawlessly. This suggests you've played since childhood."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Me? Since childhood?"

"Undoubtedly."

"Do you honestly think my parents would have bought me a piano?"

"They lacked both the means and the foresight."

"Then how could I have learned? We were impoverished."

Liam grasped her shoulders firmly, leaning in with sudden intensity. "Perhaps you should retake the DNA test with the Carter family."

Evelyn's pulse quickened as a fragile hope blossomed in her chest. What if she wasn't Evelyn Carter? What if she could leave that sordid past behind forever?

"I'll contact my family immediately," she agreed without hesitation.

Liam's grip tightened slightly. "This time, I'll accompany you. We can't afford any mistakes."