Chapter 27 Lorcias composure crumbled . No , its not- she began , but her voice faltered , her denial weak and unconvincing . The challenge hung in the air , the room falling into an expectant hush . Lorcias face went pale , her eyes darting around the room , searching for an escape . But there was none . The crowd watched , waiting , their judgment palpable . She hesitated . The weight of the moment pressed down on her , and I could see the fear in her eyes . The room erupted into applause once more , the crowd on its feet , their cheers echoing through the hall . I stood there , my heart pounding , a mixture of triumph and relief washing over me . This was my victory not just over Lorcia , but over my past , over the doubts and fears that had haunted me for so long- Ethan placed a hand on my shoulder , his touch reassuring , grounding me in the moment . its the time to end this show once and for all he said quietly , his voice filled with pride . I looked out at the crowd , at the faces of those who had once doubted me , who had dismissed me as nothing more than a mistake . And I knew , in that moment , that I had finally found my place . This was the moment I had been waiting for . I stepped forward , my voice clear and strong . The piano is right here , Lorcia . If you have the talent , prove it . Play a tune and show everyone that you deserve the music you covet . The tension in the grand hall was palpable as Lorcias eyes darted nervously around the room . Her face , usually so composed , was now a mask of panic . She clutched her hand , her voice trembling she tried to excuse herself. 1-1 hurt my hand earlier . I cant possibly play right now , she stammered , her words lacking the conviction she so desperately needed . The crowd remained unconvinced . Whispers of doubt filled the air , their collective suspicion cutting through Lorcias weak explanation . She stood there , under the harsh scrutiny of the onlookers , with no choice but to fall silent , her earlier bravado reduced to nothing more than a pitiful facade . Lorik was staring at her from a distance .. if you can do it well , come on play it someone from the crowd shouted grcia looked puzzled and her eyes were unable to meet the public After I Let Go My Alpha , He Kr . can do it better than her , its just I am not well . She insisted to lie stubbornly . The crowd knew it pow , so did Lorik . I was at peace Ethan , standing by my side , gently guided me away from the piano , leading me toward the gathering of celebrities and influential figures mingling around the hall . The party had officially begun , and I was to be introduced as his daughter , a revelation that had already sent shockwaves through the room . As the evening progressed , I found myself swirling through a sea of faces , each one more distinguished than the last . Ethan introduced me to everyone from world renowned musicians to influential politicians . Glass her glass of wine was thrust into my hand , the liquid slipping down my throat as I struggled to keep up with the endless small talk and pleasantries . The night wore on , the effects of the alcohol beginning to cloud my mind . I needed a break , a moment to breathe . Finding a secluded spot on the vast terrace , I sat down , the cool night air brushing against my flushed skin . The gentle rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop to the chaotic evening , and I closed my eyes , letting the wind clear my thoughts . Footsteps approached , and I opened my eyes to see Lorik walking toward me . His expression was unreadable , his eyes flickering with an emotion I couldnt quite place . He sat beside me , the silence between us heavy with unspoken words . Neither of us seemed willing to break it , the night wind carrying away any attempt at conversation . Just as I began to relax , a familiar voice shattered the calm . Lorcia stormed over , her face twisted with fury . She grabbed my arm , her nails digging into my skin as she spat out her accusation . Shirley , what are you trying to do ? Why cant you leave Lorik alone ? Her voice was shrill , desperate , but before I could respond , something caught my attention . The leaves of the nearby shrubs rustled an unusual sound , given that the wind had stilled . I tensed , my senses heightened as I scanned the terrace for any signs of danger . And then , it happened . A shadowy figure burst from the greenery , a weapon glinting in the dim light as it hurtled toward us . Time seemed to slow as the figure closed in , his intent clear he was aiming for Lorcia and me . Instinctively , I braced myself for the inevitable pain , expecting Lorik to shield Lorcia , to leave me to fend for myself . But what happened next took me by complete surprise . In the ongoing romance novel "CEO's Twins Want Mommy Back" by CrushReel, Cassandra finds herself in a seemingly perfect marriage with a loving husband and adorable stepchildren. However, her troubled past looms large, raising questions about the true stability of her newfound family. As she navigates the complexities of blending her past and present, Cassandra must confront the shadows that threaten to disrupt her blissful facade. What secrets lie beneath the surface, and how will she protect her newfound happiness from the ghosts of her past? This modern tale delves into themes of redemption, family dynamics, and the intricate balance between love and secrets. The unique blend of billionaire romance and office drama adds layers of intrigue to Cassandra's journey as she strives to keep her personal life from unraveling. 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