Karen was taken aback. She thought, ‘How did Mr. Larson know about my beauty salon? Does he wanna collaborate with met
With that, Karen became even more enthusiastic. “It’s on the second floor of the Global Mall on City Road,” she said.
Marcus’s lips curved into a smile. “What a coincidence. I’m planning to open a beauty salon on the third floor of the Global Mgth →
Karen’s jaw dropped before she could stop herself–she was utterly stunned.
There used to be a beauty salon in the Global Mall that did booming business. Karen was jealous, so she took advantage of Lovett Group’s the
force the salon out.
Once it closed and moved elsewhere, she swooped in and bought the space herself. The place was already fully renovated, so she didn’t we have to d any remodeling. She just opened up her own salon, one that was all hers.
The salon kept its old loyal customers, and also attracted plenty of new ones who came because of her reputation and connections
Most of the wealthy ladies in Sunspire became her VIPs. She was on the verge of dominating over half the beauty market in the city.
But if the Larson family also opened up a beauty salon in the Global Mall, then her business would be doomed.
“M–Mr. Larson-” Karen stammered, wanting to say something.
However, Marcus directly ignored her and strode out without hesitation.
Karen started to move after him, but Kane reached out and blocked her way.
“Mrs. Lovett, please stop here,” Kane said.
Left with no choice, Karen helplessly watched as Marcus and Kane disappeared through the gates of the Lovett Manor.
“It must be Edith that bitch!” Hallie hissed through gritted teeth. “She must have said something to Mr. Larson, and now he’s trying to subs
on purpose.
“A man like Mr. Larson would never open a beauty salon–he’s way too important for that!”
Karen’s expression darkened.
The Larson family’s main businesses in Sunspire were real estate and the internet industry–nothing to do with beauty. This was clearly a deliberate move.,
Karen wondered, ‘What did Edith that bitch say to Mr. Larson to make him agree to stand up for her? With the Lacson family backing her, ha supposed to crush her?‘
Anger surged in Karen’s heart, and a calculating gleam flickered in her eyes.
Just then, June walked in, dressed in a dress that made her look elegant. With a smile, she said warmly, “Hallie, i had some touch up your plana score yesterday. Play it for me, would you?”
Karen stood up, “Hallie, listen to June. I’m heading to the office.”
Karen needed to lock in her salon’s VIP clients before the Larson family made then move.
June held a sheet of music in her hand–it was the famous piano piece “Feux Follets“.
She had been teaching Hallie piano for six years and knew exactly where her weaknesses lay. Hallie’s playing always lacked feeling, everything sounded empty.
07:25
Chapter 116
Sept
So June picked out this flashy piece designed to show off technique, figuring that if Hallie’s performance blew people away technically, few would notice how little emotion was behind it.
Still, June wanted an extra backup plan.
June instructed, covering every detail. “This piece is all about showing off your skills, and its emotion is mostly sarcasm. But you’re still too young to really get the true essence of sarcasm, no matter how much you’ve practiced.
“That’s why I had someone tweak these sections for you. We’ve swapped out the sarcasm for defiance the attitude of a teenage girl rebelling again her family, her parents, school, and teachers. I’m sure that’s a feeling you’ve experienced yourself…”
This time, Hallie listened with laser focus.
She thought, ‘I can’t survive another day at Sunspire High School, but if I became the champion of the National Piano Competition, would those people there even have the nerve to look down on me?
‘Once I reach the top, they’ll have no choice but to look up at me in awe. The scorn of those nobodies is nothing to me.‘
It was lunchtime at Sunspire High School when Kerrie summoned Edith to the music hall.
Kerrie said, “Your ‘For Elise‘ performance really impressed me. That’s a level five piece, which is pretty easy for you at this point. Honestly, your playing is already at level eight or nine.
“You should think about taking the grade exam soon. But today, I mainly want to chat about the National Piano Competition.”
Edith had heard plenty of people at school talking about the competition. Hallie had already signed up.
There were tons of piano students at school, so Edith always thought Kerrie would give the last spot to someone else. She never imagined Kerrie would actually pick her.
[New Mission.]
[As a true lady, let your talents speak for yourself. Host, please join the National Piano Competition and take first place.]
Edith narrowed her eyes. The last time the System gave her a mission, it was to take first place in the monthly exams. She didn’t make it–she only managed fourth.
But considering she went from dead last all the way up to fourth, Edith figured that was already a huge win. System rewarded or not, she really didn’t have any regrets.
This time, though, she was all in. Taking home that first prize at the National Piano Competition was the only option,
Hallie was most proud of her piano skills. She thought that top spot was hers, no questions asked.
Edith couldn’t wait to see how crushed Hallie would be when she, the girl who’d barely bothered with piano her whole life, stole first place right out front under her.
Defeating someone wasn’t just about winning, Gotta crush their spirit from the inside out.
For Hallie, the piano was her lifeline–the one thing keeping her together.
“I’d like to sign up, Ms. Clark,” Edith said, her tong’unwavering.
Kerrie grinned. “I knew you wouldn’t chicken out. Even if your skills aren’t super flashy, you’ve got a way of understanding music that rivals old pros like me. So let’s show off what you do best.
“I picked ten pieces for you, and they’re all packed with emotion. Pick whichever speaks to you.”
Edith scanned the list. They were all level eight or nine–plenty of feeling, sure, but honestly, none of them seemed all that tough.
07:25 Tue, 2 SeptA
Chapter 116
The National Piano Competition would draw the very best pianists from all over the country Her take on these places might gets the judges‘ attention.
If she wanted to crush the competition and grab that trophy, she’d have to max out both emotion and technique
“What about ‘Reminiscences de Norma‘?” Edith suggested.
Kerrie froze in shock.
not be the s
485
“Reminiscences de Norma” was one of the top ten hardest piano pieces in the world. It was way out of reach for the ones who’d just started getting the hang of the piano. They couldn’t possibly manage its insane mix of technique and emotion.
Plus, it took years of daily practice just to get it stage–ready.
Kerrie said, “Edith, you…”
“I know what you’re about to say, Ms. Clark. But trust me, I can do it,” Edith replied with a confident smile. “I’ll play it for you every three days if after three tries I still haven’t nailed it, you can take me off the roster.”
There was a hint of absolute resolve in her eyes.
Kerrie gazed at her and, against all logic, found herself believing in Edith. She nodded slowly.
Edith continued, “This piece is really a heroic love tragedy, but I want to shift its tone. Sure, it’s sad, but I think we should add hope–event in heartbreak, that’s how teens like us face life.”
Kerrie got swept up in Edith’s enthusiasm, and they dove right in, tossing ideas back and forth about how to transform the piece together.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Reborn, She's Back for Revenge