Chapter 24
Nathan Lowell's fingers glided lightly across the piano keys. A beautiful melody echoed through the music room. He paused, frowning slightly.
Something felt missing in this newly composed piece.
As a top singer in the music industry, he held nearly perfectionist standards for his work. But now, he had to admit he'd hit a creative block.
He stood and walked to the window, his gaze falling on the Golden Melody Award displayed on the wall. His first major award for "Wilderness."
The creation process of "Wilderness" remained vivid in his memory.
That summer after returning from the Royal College of Music, he'd composed obsessively in the Lowell family music room. Yet no matter how many revisions he made, the piece lacked soul.
Until one morning, he discovered unfamiliar musical notations added to his manuscript.
Those subtle changes brought the entire composition to life instantly. Like adding color to a black-and-white photograph, every note gained vitality.
"Wilderness" became an instant hit.
Since then, whenever his creativity stalled, some mysterious hand would revise his scores. Without exception, those edited pieces became chart-topping hits.
Nathan always suspected Emily Lowell.
In the entire Lowell family, only the siblings understood music. And he knew better than anyone about Emily's musical genius.
He remembered testing her once: "Em, how would you improve this melody?"
Emily had only smiled gently. "Your composition is already perfect, brother."
The light in her eyes shone pure and warm, like winter sunlight.
When this music program invitation came, Nathan immediately thought of Emily. He wanted the world to see how brilliant his sister truly was.
"Nathan." Victoria Lowell's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Fetch some fruit for us. I'd like to speak with Emily alone."
Nathan nodded and left, closing the door behind him.
Only mother and daughter remained in the music room.
Victoria's smile faded, replaced by deep concern.
"Emily," she grasped her daughter's hands. "Mother is in trouble..."