Florrie looked at Nicolle with a newfound respect, her gaze just a bit more appraising than before.


    "You want to adopt Ste?"


    Nicolle nodded. "She and Antoney grew up together-like brother and sister. The Watson family has never beenrge, so bringing in a daughter isn''t a problem."


    When Ste was first taken in by the Williams family, she''d already been in school and had never really appeared in public. Aside from a few close friends of the Williamses, barely anyone had ever seen her. Most people had no idea about Ste''s true background—they just assumed she was an ordinary girl.


    Florrie got along well with Aurora, but during that time, she''d been studying abroad. Aurora was shrewd enough to never mention Ste''s situation to Florrie, much less reveal she was an illegitimate child.


    Upon hearing Nicolle''s n, Florrie didn''t bother to be diplomatic. She called him out directly.


    "You''re just worried my brother might try to marry Ste, aren''t you? So you want to adopt her and put an end to any ideas he might have?"


    Nicolle didn''t deny it. "Ste is Haynes''s ex-wife and already has a child. It''s not easy for her to be the Watson family''sdy."


    Marrying within the right social circles was a tradition as old as time.


    When Nicolle was young, he''d believed true love could conquer anything. In the end, reality had taught him that marriages between equalssted longer. He and Antoney''s mother had separated peacefully-not just because their families had torn them apart, but because, once they''d lived together, they realized how different they truly were.


    Nicolle bore no ill will toward Ste. Still, her status as a divorcée and her modest education would inevitably limit her world view and opportunities.


    After a moment''s thought, he added, "She may not be young anymore, but there''s always more to learn. Once she''s officially part of the Watsons, I''ll make sure she gets another round of education. If she''s going to be a proper youngdy, that''ll help her a great deal-especially if she remarries."


    He meant it sincerely; he only wanted what was best for Ste.


    Florrie was speechless. Ste hadn''t even agreed to the adoption yet, and her father was already nning out her future.


    Internally, Florrie grumbled, but this time she didn''t voice her objections. In fact, Nicolle''s proposal sparked an idea.


    If Ste became her unrted "sister," maybe her father would stop hovering over her every day, nagging her to study.


    Florrie was a hedonist by


    nature-studying had never been her thing. But her father was obsessed with it. When her brother was still around he''d had an ally. After Ker brother was gone, all that attentionnded on her.


    @t


    But she was hopeless-a born cker, with no ambition or lofty dreams. As long as she could live life offort and luxury, with plenty of spending money, she didn''t care aboutpany sharesor anything else.


    It was just the way she was.


    Right now, she wanted nothing more than for Ste to join the Watson family as soon as possible. At the same time, she silently vowed to get on Ste''s good side.


    Later, Ste joined Antoney, Marvin, and the others for another ensemble performance. The room was alive now, and their music drew enthusiastic praise from everyone present.


    An elderlydy with snowy hair


    leaned over to whisper to the person


    beside her. "What''s the name of that


    girl ying the violin? She''s so lovely and her ying is wonderful. My granddaughter is about to start music lessons-I think the violin would be perfect. I''d like to hire her as my granddaughter''s violin


    teacher."


    Someone else chimed in, "Burton! I didn''t know you had such refined taste.


    Haven''t seen you in years, and look at you now."


    Sitting beside Mr. Burton, Mr. Walden''s eyes shed with surprise.


    Ste''s performance was far beyond what you''d expect from someone who hadn''t touched a violin in five years.