Of course Shane would never admit he was someone with ill intent . Forcing a stiff smile , he said , " I didn't see anything , just felt as if the music brought me into the scene . " " Exactly ! Ms. Rivers ' playing was so vivid , it felt like we were right there ! " The guests immediately began praising Sloane's skills . Sloane smiled faintly at the crowd but did not expose them . She only said lightly , " I'm flattered . It's just a small thing I picked up during my leisure time . " Standing in the crowd , Samantha listened to everyone fawning over Sloane . Her nails dug deep into her palms as jealousy consumed her . She had wanted to humiliate Sloane , but instead , she had helped her steal all the limelight . Forcing down her rage , Samantha put on a sincere - looking smile and walked forward . " Sloane , I had no idea you were so talented at music ! Were you afraid I'd compete with you , so you hid it from me ? " She was implying that Sloane had deliberately kept her skills hidden to guard against her . Sloane shrugged innocently . " You should ask yourself that . We live under the same roof , yet you never noticed . It seems you didn't care much about me as a sister . " " I ... " Samantha had not expected Sloane , who once had the sharpness of a paper doll , to become so cutting - tongued . She was momentarily at a loss for words . " Enough ! " Marshall roared , turning to scold Sloane . " Sloane , you are utterly lacking in decorum ! Today is your and Samantha's birthday banquet , a joyous occasion . How could you play such a disruptive piece and cause this mess ? Look what you've done to the hall ! " Sloane raised her chin slightly , her gaze cool . " I never intended to perform . It was your precious daughter who insisted . " " You wretched child ! " Furious at being contradicted , Marshall raised his hand , ready to slap her " Mr. Marshall ! " A cold voice interrupted him mid - swing . Everyone turned to look . It was Lucas , standing at the second - floor railing with two companions , staring icily at Marshall's raised hand . Marshall felt a chill spread across his skin . He hastily lowered his hand and plastered a flattering smile on his face . " Mr. Hawthorne , when did you arrive ? If only you'd sent word ahead , I would've welcomed you personally . " The speed of his change in attitude was shocking . But Lucas ignored Marshall's fawning . He descended the stairs slowly , every step heavy with a stifling pressure . He walked straight to Sloane , glanced down at her hand , and said in a low voice , " You were so focused you didn't even notice you hurt your hand . " Sloane looked at her fingertips and realized faint red marks had appeared where the strings had dug into her skin . She smiled casually . " It's been a while since I played . I'm a bit out of practice . " Without a word , Lucas gently took her wrist . " Come upstairs and apply some medicine . " He led her away , not sparing Marshall a single glance . Sloane was half - pulled along by Lucas . She looked down at their joined handsing . It was a strange feeling . They entered a guest room on the second floor , prepared specifically for today's banquet . As soon as Sloane entered the room , she spotted two other people inside . Samson was eyeing her curiously and greeted her enthusiastically , " Hi , Ms. Rivers , nice to meet you ! " Send Gifts Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!