Readers searching for Trash Yesterday Queen Today Chapter 36 read online are often looking for an engaging introduction to a story filled with transformation, resilience, and unexpected twists.
Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Charlotte had already risen and walked quickly to Natalie’s side, slipping an arm around her shoulders and guiding her to the center of the living room to face Jonathan’s family.
We found Natalie a few days ago.” Charlotte’s voice was filled with joy.
Though Jonathan had already braced himself, hearing Charlotte’s confirmation still made his eyes well up. You really found her. That’s wonderful, Charlotte.”
He was genuinely happy for Charlotte. He knew that for all these years, she had carried a weight in her heart, never truly able to put it down. Now that her daughter had come home safe and sound, it was the best news imaginable.
Evelyn and her kids also looked a little surprised. She exclaimed, “Oh my. That’s such great news. Thank God.”
Charlotte introduced Jonathan’s family to Natalie. “This is your uncle Jonathan, your aunt Evelyn, and these are your cousins.”
Natalie nodded. “Nice to meet you, Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Evelyn.”
Jonathan smiled, “We came in a hurry today. We didn’t expect such big news, so we didn’t bring you a welcome gift.”
“That’s all right, Uncle Jonathan,” Natalie said.
Lucas smiled at her as well, “Natalie, honored to meet you. I’m Lucas
Natalie gave a slight nod. “The pleasure is mine. I’m Natalie.”
Then she looked at Nora, who was standing to the side. Nora was expressionless, a bit dazed. She wasn’t saying anything or making any moves.
When their eyes met, Natalie didn’t mind. She spoke first. “Nice to meet you.”
Under Natalie’s gaze, Nora couldn’t help but smile, “Hi. I’m Nora.”
Evelyn laughed, trying to smooth things over, “Don’t mind her, Natalie. Both my kids are quiet, especially Nora. I wish she could be as confident as you.”
At that, Nora lowered her gaze and said nothing more.
“Don’t say that about Nora. All right. Let’s not stand around. Lunch should be about ready,” Charlotte said, licking her lips. “William caught some fish with the kids. We’ll have the kitchen staff prepare them.”
They went to the dining room, and Natalie went upstairs to change her clothes.
Ryan spoke, “Mom, you have no idea how good Natalie is at fishing. Dad and I could barely catch anything. but the fish were practically fighting each other to jump on Natalie’s line.”
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Chapter 36
William chimed in. “That’s right. He’s not exaggerating.”
Charlotte couldn’t hold back her smile. “Of course. Natalie is the best.”
Just then, Andrew and Ethan came home.
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“We get to feast on fish today, all thanks to Natalie. If Dad had been the one fishing all day, we’d be lucky to end up with two or three,” Andrew commented.
Ryan chuckled, “Andrew, you didn’t have to say it out loud like that.”
Everyone laughed and talked over one another. Natalie came downstairs and saw the dining room filled with laughter and chatter, the warmth of a happy family.
Nora sat quietly next to Lucas, watching everyone with a detached look, as if the cheerful mood hadn’t reached her. When she saw Natalie approaching, something unreadable flickered in her eyes.
At the table, William suggested sharing a few drinks with Jonathan. He also asked Natalie about her life over the years, and she answered each question.
Jonathan brought up what he had discussed with Charlotte earlier, and William readily agreed, “If things like this happen again, come to me directly. I know you’re capable.”
Evelyn smiled in agreement, “Yeah, William. You’re right.” As she spoke, she quietly kicked Jonathan under the table.
Jonathan winced and gave his wife a puzzled look. But Evelyn was frantically signaling him, her gaze flicking toward Nora, who was eating quietly with her head down.
Jonathan opened his mouth, but then swallowed the words he had been about to say. Charlotte had already arranged for Lucas to intern under Andrew. Jonathan couldn’t bring himself to ask for more.
In Jonathan’s view, something like Nora studying under a master should rely on genuine talent. He always felt awkward about pulling strings and asking for favors, and he was worried it would cause Charlotte and William unnecessary trouble.
Besides, the master in question was Edward Lopez, a world–renowned pianist.
Evelyn, annoyed by Jonathan’s hesitation, decided to take matters into her own hands.
She put on an even brighter smile and raised her voice a little. “Charlotte, William, we’re so happy to hear the wonderful news about Natalie’s return. I’m sorry that we didn’t bring anything for her.
“Nora has loved playing the piano since she was little. She’s not sure what to give Natalie as a gift, so why not have her play a piece to entertain the room? What do you think?”
Nora’s knife and fork nearly slipped from her hands when her mother suddenly called her out.
She looked up, a flicker of panic and helplessness crossing her face. Then she pressed her lips together, looked down, and hunched her shoulders as if she wished she could disappear into the floor.
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Chapter 36
determined, like she was pushing a reluctant child to step up. She reached over and tugged at Nora’s arm.
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She said, “Oh, Charlotte, William, don’t coddle her. She’s always been too shy. This is perfect. Natalie’s back now, so let them get to know each other. Let Nora show Natalie what she’s been working on all these years.
“Go on, Nora. Play your best piece for your cousin.”
Nora winced as Evelyn yanked her arm, the pain making her face turn even paler as she stiffened and refused to move, her eyes already welling up with aggrieved tears.
Lucas couldn’t stand it. He spoke quietly, “Mom. Let’s eat.”
Evelyn shot him a glare, then turned back to Charlotte and William with a bright smile. “Nora needs practice. The more she performs, the better she’ll get. Go on.”
She flicked her eyes toward the Steinway piano in the corner of the room and nudged Nora out of her seat. “Play it well. Play that piece you’ve been working on.”
Nora’s gaze dulled. She set down her utensils and rose stiffly, walking toward the grand piano reluctantly.
Charlotte exchanged a glance with the others at the table. They all knew exactly what Evelyn was like and that there was
no stopping her, so they didn’t say anything more.
Ryan swallowed hard. “Oh. That’s nice. I hear Nora’s won a lot of awards.”
Natalie set down her own utensils, her face unreadable as she watched Nora settle onto the piano bench.
Nora sat rigidly, took a few deep breaths, and raised her hands. Her fingers settled on the black and white keys.
The opening notes of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 rang out. The notes came out technically flawless, with speed, force, and rhythm all perfectly controlled, showing off her solid foundation and years of hard practice.
Everyone in the dining room became quiet, the powerful music echoing through the space.
Evelyn’s face glowed with satisfaction. Her gaze swept across the Mitchell family, as if she were showing off how talented her daughter was.