?<strong>Chapter 402:</strong>


    Adrian leaned in closer, whispering something that Dunn had just told him. “She just came back from abroad with a major award.”


    Joelle paused, considering. M had probably been holding back during her earlier performance. If her instincts were right, M would follow up with a more serious piece, intent on showing her up.


    If Adrian hadn’t warned her, Joelle would have simply yed something lighthearted to brighten the mood without stealing the show.


    But now that M clearly wanted to see her falter, Joelle couldn’t let that happen.


    “M, how about we y something together?”


    “Together?”


    Joelle smiled warmly. “Yes, I heard about your award. It would be an honor to share the stage with you. I have such admiration for pianists. It’s my second favorite instrument.”


    M hesitated for a moment, but Stephen’s enthusiasm broke the tension.


    “Fantastic! A duet for Grandpa! M, perform with Joelle!”


    With no way out, M reluctantly sat down next to Joelle. As she skimmed through the sheet music, a sly smirk crept across her lips.


    Joelle noticed that M had selected an exceptionally challenging piece.


    “Since it’s Grandpa’s 88th birthday, we should go with something extraordinary,” M said with a sly smile. Joelle nodded, quietly massaging her wrist and loosening her fingers in preparation.


    Seeing her focused expression, M leaned in and whispered, “If this is too much for you, it’s not toote to back out. If you ask nicely, I might even change the piece.”


    Joelle was now certain—M wanted her to fail.


    “I’ll give it a try.”


    M smirked to herself, eagerly anticipating Joelle’s embarrassment.


    As their fingers brushed the keys, both took a breath, and the music began. The notes flowed rapidly, intertwining like two bees locked in a delicate dance.


    The tempo was fast, and for a moment, Joelle’s mind nked. But her muscle memory kicked in, helping her keep pace with the relentless rhythm.


    Though she managed to match M’s speed, Joelle could sense that M was still holding back, as if the real challenge was yet toe.


    M had poured everything into her craft, pushing herself to the limits overseas, driven by a desire for victory and admiration.


    But in the next instant, she watched Joelle take a deep breath, her expression shifting into pure focus.


    Joelle yed with ease, matching every note she struck. They continued ying, neither willing to give an inch.


    Though M was clearly the more skilled, Joelle’s unwavering determination made the performance all the more captivating.


    When the final note rang out, Joelle’s hands ached, her fingers nearly cramping. She rubbed her wrist and smiled. “I’m nowhere near M’s level, but I gave it my best.”


    A polite round of apuse followed, and Stephen, always gracious, said kindly, “It’s alright, Joelle, you did wonderfully.”


    “It’s time, Grandpa. Shall we head to dinner?”


    The group rose and made their way to the dining room.


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