Rewrite Her Thrilling Life (Lillian and Sebastian) novel Chapter 520

**Chapter 520: Stunning the Crowd**

Lillian stepped onto the stage, cradling her violin with both care and reverence. Her smile radiated warmth and grace, illuminating the space beneath the sparkling crystal chandeliers. As her dark, wavy hair caught the light, it shimmered with an ethereal blue hue, captivating the audience and momentarily stealing their breath away.

“Today is a truly special day for me,” she began, her voice rich with emotion. “I have gained not just a grandfather, but also a brother.” The sincerity in her words resonated throughout the hall. “In the limited time I had, I didn’t prepare any gifts. Instead, I wish to offer a piece of music that holds great significance for me. This melody was taught to me by my mother, and it has become one of my most cherished memories. Tonight, I’ll share this memory as my auction item.”

The atmosphere shifted, the hall descending into a profound silence. What could possibly be more valuable than a memory so deeply embedded in one’s soul?

With a delicate touch, she placed the bow against the strings, her eyes fluttering shut as she summoned the first notes. The melody emerged, soft and tender, wrapping the audience in a warm embrace, yet laced with an undercurrent of sorrow—a haunting echo of a mother’s love, both gentle and profound.

In the audience, Merrick felt a rush of emotions, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. The very same piece he had once taught Catherine now resonated through the air, and he was taken aback by the depth of Lillian’s remembrance. He had never anticipated that she would hold onto it so dearly. Eric, sensing his grandfather’s distress, instinctively grasped Merrick’s trembling hand, offering silent support.

Not far from them, Madison stood frozen, disbelief etched across her features. The way Lillian held herself, the expression on her face as she played—it mirrored the image burned into Madison’s memory. No. She couldn’t allow this girl to jeopardize everything she had worked for.

“I must confess,” Rence murmured slyly, a hint of amusement in his tone, “Lillian possesses quite the talent. Just look at Merrick’s face; he’s utterly moved. Honestly, I fear for you.”

Madison’s lips curled into a cold, calculated smile. “Not necessarily,” she replied, her voice dripping with disdain.

As Lillian drew the final note, a wave of thunderous applause surged through the hall, echoing off the walls like a storm.

Audrey, observing the crowd’s exhilaration, felt a mixture of grievance and resentment welling up within her.

Just as the host began to approach the stage, a voice rang out from the audience, cutting through the applause. “Ten million for Ms. Harrington’s memory!” Gasps rippled through the room as Richard’s confident smile lit up his face, directed at the girl on stage.

“Twenty million!” Sebastian’s deep voice boomed, commanding attention.

“Thirty million!” came the swift response.

“Exactly. Such scheming… she must have fooled even Mr. Whitmore with her innocent facade,” another added.

“It seems she won’t be climbing into the Phillips family after all,” someone else scoffed.

The hall buzzed with murmurs of disdain, the atmosphere thick with disapproval.

Merrick’s gaze turned sharp as he fixed it on Madison. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, his voice low and intense.

Madison glided forward, her expression composed, masking her true intentions with a veneer of false sincerity. “Father, I only wanted you to see this girl’s true nature. She approached you with ulterior motives. Perhaps even her act of saving you back then was no mere coincidence—it could have been part of her scheme from the very beginning. Her goal was to become the young lady of the Phillips family. I warned you before; she harbors ill intentions. And as you can see, I was right—just a few words, and she has exposed herself.”

“Is that so?” Merrick replied, a mocking smile curling on his lips. “Then you’ve truly gone to great lengths to orchestrate this.”