Chapter 99: No wonder the Porter family is in a decline with such granddaughter

Chapter 99: No wonder the Porter family is in a decline with such granddaughter "Sandra" Melissa said softly, her voice laced with concern as she looked at Sandra. "Sinclair’s stance is crystal clear. Don’t do anything reckless." "Melissa," Sandra let out a bitter laugh, her anger simmering beneath the surface. "Are you lecturing me now?" She couldn’t believe it—Melissa, who had always followed her lead without question, was suddenly speaking to her like this. "Of course not," Melissa replied earnestly, her expression serious. "Sandra, you’re my closest friend. I just don’t want you to make a mistake you can’t take back." As she spoke, her gaze flickered toward the raised platform at the front of the room. "We both know how ruthless Sinclair can be." "I don’t need a ’friend’ who turns on me when it matters most," Sandra sneered, her eyes darkening with resentment. "Sinclair’s ruthless methods are reserved for others, never for me," She took two steps forward, lowering her voice to a venomous whisper. "You should know—if it weren’t for this woman, the title of Mrs. Luther would have been mine!" "That’s only because you’ve never crossed his bottom line," Melissa replied, her face etched with frustration as she watched Sandra remain stubbornly unrepentant. "Sinclair treats Camilla... *really* differently." She had seen it with her own eyes. *Sinclair treats Camilla differently?* The words pierced Sandra’s heart like a thorn. "Let me see just *how* differently," she sneered, deliberately ramming her shoulder into Melissa as she strode toward the stage. "Ah—!" Caught off guard, Melissa stumbled backward, nearly losing her balance before a steadying hand caught her from behind. "I told you she wouldn’t appreciate your concern." Taylor watched Sandra’s retreating figure, his jade-like face betraying no emotion. "I’ll have someone take you home first." What was about to happen wasn’t suitable for Melissa to witness. "Brother—" Taylor frowned, still wanting to argue. "One more word," Taylor cast a casual glance his way. "and you’re grounded for a month." On the elevated platform. "It’s getting late, and this old man won’t spoil the fun for you youngsters any longer," Grandpa Luther smiled warmly as he looked at Sinclair and Camilla. "Sinclair, Camilla, you two stay and entertain our guests. Make sure everyone enjoys themselves." Sinclair remained silent as usual. Camilla, however, nodded with a smile. "Don’t worry, Grandpa." Grandpa Luther nodded with a smile before turning to leave the elevated platform. The guests all raised their glasses in unison. Just then, a woman’s voice rang out. "Grandpa Luther, wait a moment." All eyes turned toward Sandra, who had suddenly stepped forward. What was Sandra up to? Upstairs, grandpa Porter furrowed his brows at the sound of his granddaughter’s voice. Sinclair’s sharp gaze locked onto Sandra, his dark eyes brimming with an unfathomable chill. Camilla, however, remained composed. Sandra would have had to wait until the old man left to disrupt her plans effectively. But now she had jumped out prematurely—no doubt scheming something again. Whatever it was, it was surely aimed at her. All she had to do was wait and see. A shadow flickered briefly in Grandpa Luther’s eyes, though his kindly smile never wavered. "Oh? Sandra, did you have something else to say to me?" "Today is your birthday, and I’ve prepared a special gift for you,". Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Sandra made her way to the specially prepared stage where the renowned band was set up. "Excuse me," she said with effortless grace. "Of course, Miss Porter" the pianist seated at the bench immediately stood and stepped aside, yielding the spot to her. Settling onto the bench with poised confidence, Sandra turned to Grandpa Luther with a warm smile. "I’d like to perform the third movement of *Moonlight Sonata* in honor of your birthday," she announced. "I hope you’ll enjoy it." Many among the guests were well-versed in classical music. Beethoven’s *Moonlight Sonata* was a timeless masterpiece, its gentle and elegant rhythm perfectly suited for the occasion. However, the third movement was particularly demanding—only those with advanced piano skills, typically beyond Grade 10, would dare attempt it. As Sandra sat before the grand piano, radiating self-assurance, the guests exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of admiration and intrigue. "Who knew Miss Porter wasn’t just stunning but also so talented?" someone murmured. "No wonder she’s called the Flower of the Capital," another agreed. Yet, not all shared the same sentiment. "This isn’t just a birthday gift—it’s clearly a show-off move." "Is Sandra trying to steal every man’s attention tonight?" "Well, what can you do? She does have the talent for it." ... Camilla watched Sandra quietly, the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Excellent," Grandpa Luther nodded with a smile, settling onto the nearby sofa. "It seems this old man is in for a treat tonight." That girl. Up on the second floor, Grandpa Porter’s expression gradually softened, a smile playing on his lips as well. But perhaps this was for the best. After all, the whole point of bringing Sandra here was to draw some attention her way. Sandra’s slender, pale fingers glided effortlessly over the black-and-white piano keys, releasing a cascade of lively, fluid notes. The crowd slowly hushed. Yet just then—unexpectedly—Sandra stopped abruptly and lifted her gaze to meet Camilla’s. "Miss Rodriguez, you mentioned before that you’re skilled in multiple musical instruments," The young woman spoke with saccharine sweetness, her face the picture of sincerity. "How about we seize this rare opportunity to perform a duet for Grandpa Luther’s birthday celebration? What do you say?" Camilla was merely an orphan living under someone else’s roof, struggling even for basic sustenance—when would she have had the time to learn musical instruments? Now, only two paths lay before her. First, deny ever making such a claim and admit she had no particular talents. Second, grit her teeth and go through with the duet. Either way, she was bound to end up humiliated. At this thought, Sandra’s smile deepened at the corners of her lips. Skilled in multiple instruments? All eyes turned to Camilla, gazes varied—some expectant, some surprised, some scrutinizing, and of course, some skeptical. Wasn’t it said that this wife of the Luther A family patriarch grew up in the countryside? "Um..." Under the weight of everyone’s stares and murmurs, Camilla’s delicate brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of panic surfacing in her clear eyes. Sinclair noticed the cunning glint hidden in her eyes, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smirk. "President Calvin," Aria whispered curiously to the man beside her, her voice hushed. "Is it true that Mrs. Luther is skilled in multiple musical instruments?" Calvin’s mesmerizing eyes narrowed slightly as he countered with a question instead of answering. "What do you think?" "Well, if it were true," Aria glanced at Sandra, carefully choosing her words, "I doubt Miss Sandra would be willing to share such a rare opportunity to shine." "Clever." Calvin cast a sidelong glance at Aria before shifting his gaze back to the stage, his lips quirking in an indifferent smile. At least she was far smarter than that fool Sandra. Who in their right mind would think of making a name for themselves by stepping on Camilla—the lady of the Luther household—right under the Luther Family’s roof? No wonder the Porter family was on the decline, with a granddaughter like that.