Chapter 127
Isabella laughed directly upon hearing this and retorted unceremoniously, "Ms. Cooper, you must have mistaken me for someone else. I've never played the piano in front of Nolan. How do you know I play so well? However, I do know someone named Bianca. I've heard she's quite good at the piano."
After all, that was the only thing Bianca could boast about.
As she spoke, Isabella's eyes darkened.
She had felt something was off since earlier, especially with Violet's tone and demeanor.
It was somewhat reminiscent of Bianca, who had been sent away from Auroria by Michael.
Before Isabella could scrutinize further, Violet said seriously, "I couldn't possibly be mistaken. Ms. Taylor, you hold such a high place in Mr. Brown's heart; how could he lie? Ms. Taylor, are you afraid of playing poorly and being questioned?"
"Violet!" Nolan, who had been quietly sitting beside them, couldn't help but frown. "That's enough. Today is Isabella's birthday party. No one can force her to do something she doesn't want to, and I never told you those things."
Isabella had always known about Nolan's favoritism towards her.
However, she was more interested in Michael's reaction now.
Michael usually loved to oppose Isabella. Now that Violet was deliberately making things difficult for her, he surprisingly held back and didn't refute her.
Seeing Nolan protect Isabella in front of him, Michael was furious.
He smirked sarcastically. "Don't you find your words contradictory, Nolan? Ms. Cooper is your student. If you hadn't told her Isabella could play the piano, how would she know? But Nolan, since when did you know so much about Isabella's hobbies?"
What angered him more was that even Nolan knew Isabella could play the piano, yet he had never heard about it. How many more secrets did Isabella have that he didn't know about?
Facing Michael's provocation, Nolan didn't hold back. He coldly replied, "You do know Isabella is your wife, right? Shouldn't you, as her husband, be aware of her hobbies and interests? Besides, today is her birthday. You should be making her happy, not questioning her at this moment!"
Michael felt his anger burn even more at Nolan's words.
He sneered and asked, "Why would I question her? Nolan, you are more clear than anyone.""
His words clearly implied that there was something inappropriate between Isabella and Nolan.
"Michael, I'm your brother. What do you take Isabella for?" Nolan was furious.
Michael raised an eyebrow. "She is, of course, my wife. So, Nolan, you should be the one to clarify your position and get rid of any inappropriate thoughts as soon as possible."
No matter who dared to make a move on Isabella, Michael wouldn't let them go.
After speaking, Michael intentionally said to Violet beside him, "Ms. Cooper, thanks to your reminder, otherwise, I wouldn't have known Isabella could play the piano."
Seeing Michael finally look at her, Violet's eyes sparkled with excitement.
She said coquettishly, "Mr. Brown, how do you plan to thank me?"
Violet raised an eyebrow at him and deliberately leaned closer to Michael's arm.
As adults, Violet's suggestive meaning was very clear.
Isabella frowned at their intimate behavior, feeling a strange sense of familiarity.
Violet's tone and actions in seducing Michael were reminiscent of Bianca.
If it weren't for their completely different appearances, she might have mistaken Violet for Bianca.
At this moment, Michael raised his hand nonchalantly, rejecting Violet's approach.
His peripheral vision, however, glanced at Isabella and Nolan, his tone filled with jealousy. "If you want a reward, then let's have a competition. The winner will naturally get a prize."
He just wanted to separate Isabella and Nolan. As long as they weren't sticking together in front of him, that was enough.
"Ms. Cooper, I hope you can show your true skills and let me witness a real musical event." Michael's deep, magnetic voice and overly refined profile carried an indescribable allure.
Violet was instantly captivated by him.
Indeed, when Michael said this, he was watching Isabella's reaction.
She and Nolan were being intimate in front of him, so now he was being intimate with Violet in front of her. He wanted to see if she still had any feelings for him.
If she showed even a hint of jealousy, he would immediately distance himself from Violet. But he had underestimated his place in Isabella's heart.
Isabella merely glanced at them, her gaze falling on the excited Violet. "It seems today's competition is inevitable! Ms. Cooper, how do you propose we compete? It can't just be playing a piece, that's too boring. How about we set a rule first, choose a piece from the same master, and the winner gets a desired gift. How about that?"
Violet's eyes flickered, but she maintained a calm exterior, though she was already delighted inside. "Ms. Taylor, I'll follow your lead."
Others might not know Isabella's skills, but she was well aware. She hadn't seen Isabella play any instrument over the years.
It was only during the days when Isabella was getting a divorce from Michael that her identity as a racing queen was revealed. So she couldn't have any musical insight, let alone playing a masterpiece.
Isabella saw through her scheme at a glance, smiling coldly.. Not giving Violet a chance to regret, she raised her hand and signaled the people on stage to pause.
Isabella confidently went on stage and briefly explained her intention to have an impromptu piano competition with Violet.
Today was her birthday party, soher proposal naturally received much support and approval.
The atmosphere instantly became lively.
Isabella continued, "In a moment, Ms. Cooper and I will each play a piece, and everyone present will score us. The one with the highest score wins."
As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd buzzed with excitement.
Someone laughed and asked, "Ms. Taylor, youeidea is great, but since it's a competition, there should be a reward to liven things up. Otherwise, what's the point?"
This was exactly what Isabella had in mind, but she didn't show it on the surface.
Instead, she threw the question back to the crowd. "I hadn't thought of that. Why don't you all give some suggestions, and I'll consider them."
Before the crowd could respond, Michael stood up and walked to the front of the stage.
His eyes fixed on Isabella, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Since you can't decide, how about I suggest one?"
In front of everyone, he raised an eyebrow at her. It was obvious to everyone that Michael still liked Isabella.
Their relationship didn't seem like they were about to divorce; it was more like newlyweds who couldn't get enough of each other.