Chapter 2Even the True Prodigy Can’t Steal My Spotlight

Mom immediately arranged for an expedited DNA test.

The next morning, the report was out. Caleb was right.

He was the real Leo, the Forester family’s prodigal son. And I? Just a little stray abandoned by a misguided girl.

Caleb pushed open my bedroom door, triumphantly declaring, “Do you really deserve such a nice room? Get out! It’s mine now!”

I swiftly got up and began packing my suitcase. “Alright, I’m out of here!” On the walls were Lyra’s monthly updated scores. It was almost the end of the month, her inspection time. Great, no need to memorize them anymore, haha.

“Leo, what are you doing?” Mom walked in and gently placed a hand on mine. “The house has plenty of empty rooms, several of them.”

I hesitated. “Uh… the real son wants to live here…”

“I’ve raised you for eighteen years!” Mom said firmly. “Both of you are my children. Leo, just consider it like having a new brother in the house. Get along with Caleb.”

Caleb gritted his teeth slightly, then forced a smile. “I don’t think we’ll get along. A tone-deaf person might infect my perfect pitch!”

I wholeheartedly agreed. Exactly. I knew my own limits perfectly well!

Lunchtime arrived. Caleb changed into a custom-tailored suit, looking incredibly sharp. But he didn’t realize that in the Forester dining room, it wasn’t about clothes; it was about something else.

“This quail soup is quite good, have some more.” Mom elegantly took a sip, then asked, “Lyra, last night, Lady Serena wanted to replace the original triad with a C9. What do you think?”

I nearly choked. Knew it! The music meeting!

Lyra wiped her mouth with a napkin before replying, “While triads are simple and common, they’re also the most versatile. A C9 is more relaxed, so I think a concert-exclusive version would be more suitable.”

Mom smiled. “That’s exactly what I told her. Pop music is fine for a casual diversion, but don’t forget your main craft. Maestro Carlo is asking about your solo recital again. He even suggested your dad could join…”

Dad gave a knowing smile, cleared his throat with a sip of tea, and instantly launched into a segment of a drinking song. I, meanwhile, kept my head down, shoveling food. Ignore me, please, Amen.

The next question, however, was directed at a keenly expectant Caleb. “Caleb.”

Caleb quickly put down his chopsticks, giving Mom a confident look. “Yes, Mom?”

“Since you won a Gold Prize, your musical literacy must be up to par.” Mom tapped the tabletop like piano keys, casually playing a short passage. “How do you think this passage could be improved?”

Caleb’s expression froze. He stared at Mom’s hands and the dining table laden with dishes, sweat beading on his forehead. “This… this isn’t a piano, it’s a dining table. How can I tell?”

Lyra let out a small snort. “I could understand it when I was nine.”

Caleb bit down hard. Mom calmly announced, “It’s not too late to mend the fence. You’ve returned home, so you’ll naturally receive the same education as all Forester children.”

My heart sank, and I quickly took a big gulp of hot soup. The Forester children’s education… that was a one-way ticket to hell! Caleb, you can do it!