chapter484

Connor stood beside Lydia, his eyes catching the subtle shift in the air. He arched a brow, picking up on something unusual.

Lydia watched as Juliette walked up to her, a gentle smile curving her lips. "Long time no see," she greeted, her tone both polite and warm.

Without hesitation, Juliette opened her arms and hugged Lydia tight, the embrace full of genuine affection.

The crowd, who seemed to have been waiting for Juliette's every move, could only stare in shock.

Kylie and Cameron exchanged bewildered glances. Blake looked just as stunned. What was going on? Did Lydia and Juliette actually know each other?

Everyone knew Juliette's reputation. She was notoriously hard to please and her standards for piano were sky high. Earning her approval was nearly impossible.

She rarely singled anyone out or kept close friends. She'd never married, had no kids, and most days preferred to travel alone or just enjoy her own company. So, watching her hug a young woman so openly was almost unreal.

Sure, the girl was striking-beautiful, poised, with a presence you couldn't ignore. But who was she, really? Why did Juliette treat her like this?

Juliette's eyes sparkled as she turned to Lydia. "Any new compositions lately? We're all dying to hear something fresh from you."

Lydia couldn't help but laugh softly. "I've been swamped. Nothing new right now."

Juliette's disappointment was clear. "We're all waiting, you know. Don't keep us in suspense forever."

Lydia nodded. "I won't."

Finally, Kylie couldn't stay quiet. "Lydia, you and Juliette... you two are...?"

Juliette had already recognized Kylie and Cameron. She was just as curious. How did Lydia end up with the richest couple in the country? And they seemed awfully close.

Juliette smiled, her pride for Lydia obvious. "Lydia's music always blows us away. We're all looking forward to whatever she creates next."

She glanced from Lydia to her parents. So, Lydia, what's your connection to Mr. and Mrs. Norwood?"

Lydia didn't hesitate. "They're my biological parents."

Juliette's eyes widened in surprise.

When did this happen? She hadn't heard a word about it.

Lydia turned to her parents. Mom, Dad, President Juliette has been both a mentor and a friend to me."

Kylie and Cameron were stunned, still trying to process what they'd just heard.

Juliette, Lydia's mentor and friend? Was that even possible?

Connor, Blake, and Chris looked equally shocked.

Was Lydia really that extraordinary?

But the biggest revelation was yet to come.

Juliette gave a slightly embarrassed laugh, her humility clear. "I could never Call myself your mentor. The famous Melody Mastro is giving me way too much credit."

The name Melody Mastro sent a ripple through the room. Everyone just froze.

Even Connor looked like he'd turned to stone.

He knew Lydia's piano talent was incredible, even better than Lucinda's, but he'd never imagined that she was Melody Mastro.

Melody Mastro was the modern

legend of the international piano

world. dolized by millions, she's the undisputed queen among contemporary maestros.

And she was just eighteen.

Kylie and Cameron could barely believe it.

The piano genius their entire family had admired for years was their own daughter?

It felt impossible.

Were they dreaming?

The rest of the crowd was just as shocked Melody Mastro was really an eighteen-year old gin? No one und wrap their heads around it.

"Miss Lydia."

As if things weren't surreal enough, Richie appeared just then.

He walked right up to Lydia, his voice full of respect as he greeted her.