Catherine remained seated, a defiant glint in her eyes, but her words were deceptively humble. "I'm sorry, Jessica. Mom, Dad, and I were just chatting, and Mom mentioned I taught myself to play. Dad wanted to hear how I was doing, and since there was a piano here, he asked me to try."
Kevin, having regained his composure, snapped, "It's just a piano. Why are you making such a big deal out of it? Besides, your mother bought it with family money, didn't she? So what if a family member uses it? You've always been so stingy."
Jessica's gaze remained locked on Catherine. "Get away from it."
Catherine's eyes welled with tears. "Jessica, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. Please don't blame Mom and Dad. I apologize. I shouldn't have touched your piano. I have no right to touch your things."
Her words sounded sincere, but she made no move to get up, her body firmly planted on the piano bench.
Jessica just smiled.
The moment Catherine saw that smile, she knew something was wrong. Jessica had clearly thought of some terrible idea.
Just as Catherine was about to stand, Jessica hoisted a large vase from a nearby stand and smashed it down onto the piano. Porcelain shards flew everywhere. One embedded itself in Catherine's cheek.
Catherine instantly clapped a hand to her face, her voice filled with undisguised panic. "Mom, my face! Is it ruined?"
Isabella, stunned by Jessica's outburst, finally snapped out of her shock. Seeing Catherine's face covered in blood, she paled. "Let me see!"
Kevin shot to his feet, clutching his chest. "You… you wretched girl!" he roared, pointing a trembling finger at Jessica.
A strange smile touched Jessica's lips. "It's my property. I'd rather smash it to pieces than let certain people touch it."


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