Chapter 7 Stunning The Crowd

Phillip's challenge to Ashton was not just out of anger but also a strategic move to embarrass him in front of everyone.

If Ashton declined, Phillip would label him a coward.

Yet, if Ashton accepted, Phillip was skeptical that he could deliver anything noteworthy, seeing Ashton merely as a househusband.

However, Phillip's attempt to belittle Ashton quickly backfired.

"Seems like you're eager for me to embarrass you?" Ashton said with a smirk before confidently approaching the piano.

As Ashton approached the piano, snickers and scoffs echoed from the James family members behind him.

"Ha, a mere househusband thinks he can impress us on the piano? What a joke!" One of them laughed loudly, encouraging others to join in.

"If he manages 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' I'll be shocked. He's trying to outdo Phillip? This will be a good laugh," another jeered dismissively.

"A fool thinking he can perform for everyone? He's overestimating himself," chimed in another, as some began to wager on how poorly Ashton would perform.

However, the moment Ashton sat at the piano, touched the keys, and began to tune, the room fell into a stunned silence.

As he touched the keys, his demeanor transformed significantly, which confused the crowd.

"Listen carefully, this is how 'The Dance of Flowers' is meant to be played," Ashton announced to Phillip.

Phillip scoffed dismissively, "You're just making a fool of yourself!"

Ignoring Phillip's contempt, Ashton immersed himself in the music, his fingers gracefully moving across the keys, each note filled with power and emotion, weaving a captivating narrative.

Even Tristan, eager to find fault, could not pinpoint a single flaw in Ashton's performance.

Still skeptical, Tristan muttered, "Isn't this the same piece Phillip played earlier? Maybe it's the only one he knows. It's not that impressive!"

Ashton merely smiled and didn't respond verbally. After concluding "The Dance of Flowers," he effortlessly moved into Robert Schumann's "Abegg Variations."

The room instantly hushed, the attendees captivated. The melody, pure and vibrant, transported everyone into a serene, dreamlike state.

Even those unfamiliar with music could sense the profound beauty of the performance, as though the music itself was a conquering force.

When Ashton finished, the spellbound silence lingered. The audience remained lost in the reverie of the notes that had just filled the air.

Even Phillip, who had intentions of mocking, stood dumbstruck, his face flushed as if he had been physically struck.

It was evident to all, even to those with the least musical knowledge, that Ashton's prowess on the piano greatly exceeded Phillip's.

Emalee, overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, watched in astonishment.

She couldn't believe she had overlooked Ashton's remarkable musical talent, hidden behind his usual quiet demeanor and domestic focus.

The silence eventually broke when Bobby, the first to shake off the awe, stood and began clapping enthusiastically.

"Well done, Ashton! I had no idea you were such an accomplished pianist. Your performance truly moved me," he exclaimed.

Though initially hesitant, the rest of the guests joined in the applause, their earlier perceptions of Ashton profoundly altered. His skill had far surpassed their expectations.

Ashton stood and offered a respectful bow to Bobby. "Thank you for your kind words, Bobby. Today might not be the ideal moment, but should we cross paths again, I'd be honored to play more for you."

Bobby's face, initially bright with a smile, grew serious.

"I've heard about the divorce, Ashton. I know you've borne much quietly these past two years for Emalee's sake. It's disheartening she still seeks to undermine your kindness. Rest assured, I will stand by you today. No one will force you from the James family against your will," he declared with solemn resolve.