Chapter 101
The next two days were spent in a focused rush of creativity, with each team working intensely to rearrange their songs.
That afternoon. Nicole gathered her four trainees and presented them with a revised draft of the lyrics and melody.
Tell me what you think,” she said, before singing the updated version for them from start to finish.
When she finished, the trainees offered polite, unanimous praise. “It sounds great, Ms. Hammond p>
One of them ventured cautiously, “Does this mean the arrangement is final p>
In Nicole’s team, all creative decisions rested firmly with the guest mentors.
The trainees weren’t invited to contribute ideas. They could barely even offer feedback.
Their main hope was simply for Nicole and Felicity to settle on a version quickly so they could begin choreography.
But Nicole shook her head lightly. “Something still feels incomplete p>
She fell quiet for a moment, then looked up. “Maybe it needs instrumental texture. What do you think p>
‘Instrumentation could help,” one trainee agreed mildly. “What did you have in mind p>
‘Since we’ve shifted the song toward a pop style,” Nicole said after musing, “maybe we should try some contemporary
instruments p>
‘Could be worth trying.” The trainees nodded, less out of conviction than habit.
They had come to recognize Nicole’s pattern. She rarely asked for their opinions unless she was gently steering them toward a decision she had already made.
Sure enough, a pleased smile touched her lips. “Actually, I had a few instruments brought over from home. I’ll try each one. and you can tell me which sounds best p>
The trainees responded with practiced enthusiasm. “That’s amazing! We’ve never heard you play before”
Go ahead Ms. Hammond. Let’s hear it p>
But beneath their encouraging tones lay a shared sense of resignation.
Being assigned to Nicole’s team felt like a stroke of bad luck, a realization that the guest mentors were less interested af collaboration than in using the trainees as a polite audience for their own showcase
foule marte a brief call and not long after, a polished grand piano, a flute, a violin a cello, a saxophone and a high cod with guitar were wheeled into the practice room
The collection was visibly expensive and the trainees exchanged glances, especially at the sight at the peans given the c perfectly Tune horal one already stood in the corner of the studio
Noturing Our silenc curiosity Nicole offered a light explanation Uperforms best with my own strunte is Using anything the dozup my but that why I had then sent over
Maramures munkard understandingly of course Emilarity makes a dullervis
But inwardly man, track the gesture umiressarily indulgent or deat any of the one would dare say so almond
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Chapter 99
Nicole settled onto the piano bench, her fingers brushing lightly over the keys.
35 vouchine
A quick witted student smiled and chimed in. “Ms. Hammond, this piano looks special, like it has a story Would you tell us about it p>
Nicole’s expression softened. “Good guess. It once belonged to Mr. Drake Pierce. Actually, it was auctioned off in Meridia about three years back p>
A fond smile touched her lips. “When my father heard how much I loved it, he bid on it overseas and surprised me with it as a gift p>
Another student chimed in warmly, “So this piano really has a history p>
With admiration, he added, “Your dad sounds amazing, Ms. Hammond p>
A soft light filled Nicole’s eyes. “He is. Honestly, he’s the best father I could ever ask for p>
She was, of course, referring to her stepfather, Leo, a man who had shown her a kindness and stability her birth father never
had.
Through him, she learned what true paternal love felt like.
There were no raised voices or harsh punishments, no sense that she was an investment to be traded away one day, and certainly no disappointment over her gender.
Instead, Leo gave her not just an allowance but genuine generosity, celebrated her milestones, showed up at school events. and even threw her an elaborate coming–of–age party.
It was a love she cherished deeply and one she was determined to protect from Alicia’s rivalry.
After playing a skillful piece on the piano, Nicole moved gracefully to a violin, then a cello, each time sharing a personal anecdote about the instrument.
‘I first saw this violin in a gallery overseas and completely fell in love with it,” she recalled. “I tried to buy it, but it wasn’t for sale. They wouldn’t take any offer. I left feeling so disappointed.
“Then, on my birthday, my eldest brother gave it to me as a surprise.
I have no idea how he managed to get it, but I know it couldn’t have been easy. It meant the world to me.
And this one,” she added warmly, “was from my second brother p>
It gradually dawned on the students that this wasn’t merely a display of musical talent. It was a curated exhibition of taimihal devotion
They played along with appreciative remarks. “Your brothers are so thoughtful, Ms. Hammond
Nicole’s expression grew tender “All three of my brothers are wonderful. Having them in my life is my greatest blessing
She even sighed lightly, adding how her family would have the housekeeper deliver an assortment of instruments whenever she expressed interest in learning a new one, just so she could find the perfect tu
Yet the ones she truly valued, she emphasized, were always those chosent personally by her father or brothers, each gift a tangible token of the affection
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.