?<strong>Chapter 178:</strong>


    With a ceremonial gesture, Billie filled a small bowl with the tender belly of the fish and presented it to Mny. “Try this, Mny.”


    Mny, however, delicately passed the bowl to Carrie with a gracious smile. “They say consuming fish blesses mothers with beauty and their children with wisdom. Carrie, perhaps it’s time to bless the Norris family with a bright son.”


    Mny’sment, elegant yet pointed, served more than one purpose. Not only did it touch upon the topic of motherhood, but it also tactfully quashed the whispers of a potential divorce circting among their circle, reinforcing her standing while subtly guiding the conversation away from scandal.


    Carrie clearly understood what Mny was hinting at, and with a gentle smile, she graciously epted the bowl with both hands, murmuring a heartfelt, “Thank you, Mny.”


    Kailee, seemingly distracted, idly yed with her food, her gaze lingering on Carrie as thetter moved.


    No sooner had Carrie set down her cutlery than Kailee, seizing the moment, eagerly chimed in, “Albin, there are fireworks tonight! Would you y the piano for us?”


    Albin, despite his modest career achievements, came from a distinguished family that had instilled in him a rich education in the arts from an early age. He had particrly excelled in music during his college years, securing numerous des at international pianopetitions.


    “Hmm?” Albin, caught off guard by the mention, quickly finished the shrimp he was eating and looked up, a trace of confusion in his voice. “Why this sudden desire to hear me y?”


    With a sly smile, Kailee feigned innocence. “It just hit me — I can’t remember thest time I heard your music.”


    “It really has been too long since we’ve enjoyed your performance, Albin. Why not delight us with a piece?” Noticing that Kailee had shifted her focus away from Carrie, Mny decided to step in and speak up for her.


    Albin, never one to hesitate, beamed with enthusiasm and dered, “Sure, I’d love to!”


    After the dinner and the spectacr fireworks disy, the entire gathering converged around the piano to witness Albin’s musical prowess. He selected an etude for his performance, renowned for itsplexity, requiring utmost delicacy, agility, and precision. Theposition featured swift, intricate sequences in the right hand while the left maintained the melody.


    Following a sinct prelude, the piano whispered its initial soft notes before soaring into a passionate cascade, deeply resonating with all who listened. Albin’s slender fingers gracefully navigated the keyboard, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that captivated the onlookers.


    Kailee, wholly captivated by the auditory and visual feast before her, momentarily set aside her ns to provoke Carrie. Her admiration for Albin was understandable; he had always been a standout talent, even from a young age.


    As the final notes of the piece faded, Kailee burst into apuse, eximing, “Albin, that was spectacr!” As she turned, her gazended on Carrie, who stood under a tree, slightly away from the crowd, looking as though she preferred to go unnoticed.


    Watching Albin’s dazzling performance, Carrie couldn’t help but feel a wave of hesitation about stepping forward herself.


    Kailee approached Carrie with a warm, inviting gesture, linking arms with her. “Carrie, you had the piano brought out earlier. Are you nning to treat Mny to a piano piece as well?”


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