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As the final note faded away, Theodore then gently took Eliana’s hand in his. The two exchanged a knowing smile before rising together. A few seconds later, the audience finally snapped out of their trance, and the room erupted in thunderous applause.
After giving Delilah a cold, dismissive glance, Theodore reached for Eliana’s hand, preparing to lead her away.
To everyone’s surprise, Delilah’s voice suddenly boomed through the microphone, “Theodore! The audience hasn’t voted for our performance yet.”
‘This is my last shred of pride and defiance,‘ Delilah thought. ‘There’s no way I’m letting Eliana beat me in my own field!’
Hearing this, Theodore turned around. He had planned to spare her some dignity for the sake of their childhood friendship, but now he saw no need for that.
From the crowd, Felix was the first to speak up. “When it comes to stage presence, my vote definitely goes to the Russell couple.”
Annabelle hurriedly interjected, “But Ms. Wren’s technical skills are truly exceptional.”
Ashton shot her a look and said, “Music is the medium of emotions. True artistry lies in how well it resonates with the audience. So let me ask everyone here. Which performance just now drew you in more deeply?”
“Definitely the one from the Russell couple,” a girl nearby immediately chimed in. “After watching their performance, I couldn’t stop grinning. It just made me think marriages must be wonderful.”
As the cheers grew louder, completely drowning out Delilah’s name, her grip on the microphone tightened abruptly as she thought furiously, ‘I wish I could just whack these people over the head with it.‘
Just then, Theodore gave her a cold smile and said, “Delilah, I was willing to let this go. Why go out of your way to make a fool of yourself?”
After a brief pause, he turned to Eliana beside him and said, “Let’s go, Mrs. Russell.”
“Mhm,” Eliana replied, her palms damp with sweat. She still felt dazed, as if she was just waking up from a dream.
As Eliana stepped off the stage, she couldn’t help but glance at Theodore, her voice unconsciously laced with admiration. “Mr. Russell, is there anything you can’t do?”
Theodore thought for a moment and answered with deadpan seriousness, “Yes, giving birth.”
Eliana burst out laughing. All the lingering tension she had felt earlier melted away.
Watching Eliana walk hand–in–hand with Theodore toward Felix and Ashton–the very group every woman there secretly dreamed of being close to- made even the prettiest scene around Delilah seem dull in comparison.
Annabelle was promptly called out in public. Someone jeered, “Hey, weren’t you just saying Mrs. Russell couldn’t play the piano? How do you feel now?”
Annabelle choked on her words when she saw Eliana surrounded by three dashing tycoons, looking every bit the center of attention. She immediately clammed up, not daring to say another word.
She thought, ‘If they heard what I said, not only would my whole family be doomed, but they’d probably dig up my anc
graves too.”
Just then, Felix teased, “So that little girl who used to chase after you when you were little is back in the country? Now you’re in for it.”
“You’re still laughing? What’s so funny?” Theodore grumbled, clearly annoyed.
“Good thing Eliana had some basics. Otherwise, we would’ve been seriously embarrassed.” Ashton seized the chance to butter her up, hoping to improve his rock–bottom standing in her eyes.
“Thanks also to you both for cheering us on just now,” Eliana said, giving credit where it was due. She knew that if Felix and Ashton hadn’t been guiding
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the crowd’s reactions from the audience, it wouldn’t have been so easy to win over everyone..
“But have you thought about how you’re going to handle her?” Felix jerked his chin toward Delilah. “I heard the Wren siblings took over their father’s company right after returning here.
“Sooner or later, she’s bound to use business cooperation as an excuse to meet you privately. How are you going to explain that to your wife?”
Hearing this, a subtle joy flickered across Theodore’s eyes. Felix was undoubtedly clever. Rather than keeping things under wraps, it was better to lay the possibility out plainly. That way, Eliana would actually understand them.
“Well, I’ll follow Mrs. Russell’s lead on this,” Theodore said.
Seeing all three men turn to look at her, Eliana considered for a moment before replying, “I think you already made things clear to her by the pool just
now.
“Honestly, if she hasn’t managed to win you over after all these years, maybe you two just weren’t meant to be!”
The next second, she thought of Harper, ‘I wonder if Harper has found Cathy yet?‘
“Alright, you guys chat. I’m off to have some fun,” Eliana said. With that, she stood on tiptoe and planted a quick kiss on Theodore’s cheek, simply because she couldn’t resist his charm from earlier.
As she walked away, Theodore’s gaze lingered on her, clearly distracted. Ashton nudged him with his elbow and teased, “Earth to Theodore. Franco invited us to a dinner party on the top floor. You coming?”
‘Franco? It seems he’s still persistent and always looking for opportunities to help the company expand its overseas business. Well, in light of his well- intentioned efforts, I’ll go,‘ Theodore thought before agreeing to Ashton’s invitation.
Just then, Felix suddenly remembered something and said, “You guys go ahead. I’ve got some business to take care of.”
Ashton asked, “What’s up?”
Felix chuckled, “There’s a little wildcat dancing with wolves. I should go check on her.”
Ashton caught on immediately and said, “So, you’ve got yourself a woman now?”
Felix’s lips twitched in annoyance. “Women aren’t really my thing right now.”
Ashton locked eyes with Theodore, put on an exaggerated look of fear, and joked, “Uh–oh, does that mean Theodore and I are your next targets?”
Felix could only roll his eyes in exasperation.
Meanwhile, Delilah thrust the microphone back at the host, shoved away her brother, Marcus, who had come to comfort her, and, clutching the hem of her evening gown, stormed off the stage in a huff.
Down below, Annabelle rushed to flatter Delilah. “Delilah, I did my best to rally support for you in the crowd, but who could’ve thought Mr. Russell would pull that stunt? Honestly, when it comes to real skill, Eliana isn’t even fit to hold your sheet music, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Enough! Shut up!” Delilah snapped, her anger boiling over with nowhere to go.
Hearing Annabelle’s words, she immediately lashed out, “You think I need you to rally support for me? Why don’t you take a good look at yourself? Even the most renowned pianist in Covenhill isn’t qualified to judge me, let alone you.”
With that, she strode off with her head held high, leaving Annabelle trembling with rage.
Meanwhile, inside a cabin on the first floor, Noah had finally reeled in a potential business partner. Rubbing his hands eagerly, he ushered them into the luxury cabin suite. “Mr. Fonolosa, what do you think of this place?”
“Love the arrangement, Mr. Ryker,” James Fonolosa said with a sly grin, already reaching out to grope Megan’s face. “Ms. Thompson, to be honest, you’re
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even more beautiful in person than on screen.”
Suppressing her disgust, Megan replied sweetly, “You flatter me, Mr. Fonolosa.”
James, rubbing his round belly, leaned in and said with a grin, “Once this round is over, besides working with Mr. Ryker, I’m thinking of backing your next film too. What do you think?”
The moment Noah heard that, his mood lifted visibly.
AD
