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Chapter 589
Quantum got into the drone business because Liam, the big nerd, was into it
He was all about mechanics and flying stuff, but that’s not what Quantum was all about. Liam started messing around with drones simply because the market had nothing to satisfy his geeky needs. So, he put together a team and started developing his own.
Their drone tech advanced way faster than their chip research.
Their SkyRider Senes, launched by Quantum, was an instant hit with the public.
Their latest stealth drone tech even got a thumbs–up from the bigwigs. They’ve already signed a secret agreement to join in on the development of war drones.
It’s like watching your kid, who you’ve toiled over, being dragged off to perform at a show. It’s absurd, you don’t know whether to laugh or
cry
Liam, ever the chill dude, simply commented, “The drone flies pretty steady.”
Nicolas was left speechless.
Not far away, Steven frowned as he watched Celeste standing near Skyler.
Janis, on the other hand, was full of praise. “What a wonderful performance! So heartfelt and creative.”
Sienna chuckled, “Wesley has always been a bright boy.”
Valeria agreed, “Wesley’s wit is always a crowd pleaser. But if we’re talking real talent. I heard Clair once competed in a piano contest in Vienna and did quite well.”
Clair hesitated, “I didn’t win any awards. It’s not worth mentioning.”
Valeria
countered, “Just making it to the finals is quite an accomplishment. There’s a piano here today, why don’t you play a piece for Sienna, so we can all enjoy your music.”
Valenia saw this as a golden opportunity for the Garcia family to make a splash in the J City social circles.
Clair didn’t immediately agree but looked to Janis.
Janis smiled, “Since your aunt has suggested it, why don’t you go ahead and play a piece?”
Clair approached Sienna and asked, “Grandma, any particular piece you’d like to hear?”
Sienna replied gently, “Clair, play whatever you like. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it
Clair thought momentarily before saying, “I’ll just wing it.”
Sienna nodded.
Clair walked to the piano, lifted her skirt and sat down. She started to play “Flower Dance“.
It was a beautiful piece for a birthday party.
Her smooth performance showed she practiced often and had a solid foundation.
In contrast to Sydney Denton’s forced elegance, Clair was genuinely graceful. Even Celeste, a woman herself, admired her.
As “Flower Dance” neared its end, Clair seamlessly shifted to “Flight of the Bumblebee.”
This piece showcased her skills.
When the music ended, thunderous applause filled the room.
After thanking everyone, Clair returned to Janis and said to Sienna, “I hope you didn’t mind my poor performance.”
Sienna echoed her modest tone. “You played beautifully, don’t be so modest”
Just as the atmosphere was warming up, Mrs. Kelley said, “I remember Ms. Campbell is also quite a pianist, why don’t you play a piece 100?”
Celeste froze mid bite.
She must have pissed off Mrs. Kelley in a past life. How else could she always remember her at such times?
Sienna was surprised, “Celeste can play the piano?”
Before Celeste could respond, Mrs. Kelley jumped in, “Ms. Campbell plays beautifully She stunned us all last time on a cruise.”
Celeste muttered, ‘Mrs. Kelley is exaggerating I can hardly play I fiddle around, but I’m far from elegant”
“Well, this is just for fun or to lighten the mood You could even do a duet with Ms. Garcia‘
At this point, Celeste wanted to sew Mrs. Kelley’s mouth shut.
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Her skills were only enough to outdo Sydney
Clair seemed interested in a duet and said gently. “If Ms. Campbell wants to play, I’d be happy to accompany”
Steven saw Celeste was in a tight spot and was about to intervene when Liam beat him to it, “She injured her hand, she can’t play”
She doesn’t even have a bandage, aren’t they lying?
Everyone naturally looked at Celeste’s hand.
Celeste could only force a smile and say, “I have tendonitis”
Mrs. Kelley laughed. “Ms. Campbell’s illness has impeccable timing)
Anyone could understand the subtext.
Outmatched, she was making excuses to save her face.
If Mrs Kelley had kept quiet, this would have blown over
But her remark sparked Celeste’s competitive spint
She glanced at Mrs. Kelley, “I can’t play the piano, but can I give a different gift?”
Sienna was intrigued, “What do you have in mind?”
“I’ll paint you a picture.”
Before Sienna could respond, the others started to laugh.
Sienna, seeing Celeste’s confidence, felt sure she could deliver.
“Of course, you can,” she said and had Liam arrange a table, “Liam, get a table ready”
Clair suddenly said, “Could you prepare one for me too, Granny Reed? I’d also like to give you a painting”
Celeste was taken aback. She looked at Clair in surprise.
Steven’s frown deepened, what the heck was Clair up to?
“Cut it out, Clair, he said in a low voice.
Clair laughed lightly, “Bro, it’s not every day I meet a friend who can paint, I just wanna chat with her a bit.”