Chapter 667
Soon, the first performance took the stage, and the entire hall fell silent.
By the third act, the host returned to the spotlight. “Now, please welcome the renowned pianist, Miss Vanessa, performing her signature piece, ‘Strolling in the Rain p>
Amidst a wave of applause, Vanessa glided onto the stage with effortless grace. She settled at the grand piano in the center, her eyes scanning the audience— pausing ever so briefly in lan’s direction.
She drew in a measured breath. Her slender fingers hovered, then danced across the keys, releasing a cascade of exquisite notes.
Vanessa had never been just a pretty face. Her artistry at the piano was formidable-after all, from the moment she met lan, she’d been determined to become a woman worthy of him.
She pushed herself, practicing late into countless nights, chasing perfection with relentless ambition. Ian was like an unattainable god on a mountaintop-distant, dazzling, impossible not to yearn for.
Under the stage lights, Vanessa’s champagne and blush gown shimmered with diamonds, her image magnified on the enormous screen-a vision of poise and refined artistic allure.
Yet at that moment, a pair of eyes in the audience suddenly narrowed.
lan was staring at the necklace around Vanessa’s neck, his gaze sharpening. Abruptly, he turned to look back at Eleanor.
Eleanor hadn’t planned to watch Vanessa’s performance; she was staring down at her lap, lost in thought. When she unexpectedly glanced up, she met lan’s unwavering stare.
Her gaze turned cold. Ian’s own eyes darkened, and he quickly looked away.
Onstage, Vanessa’s piece reached its midpoint, yet the attention of every woman in the room had shifted from the music to the necklace at her throat. Among the well-heeled crowd, jewelry was a language of its own, and curiosity flickered everywhere.
Soon, whispers rippled through the cluster of socialites and wealthy matrons.
Directly behind Eleanor, two debutantes leaned in, their voices hushed but unmistakably close.
“Isn’t that the Cartier Winter Limited Edition?” one murmured. “I heard they only made ten of those in the world p>
“I looked it up,” her companion replied. “Each piece in that collection is specially engraved with the owner’s name. You have to order it at least six months in advance p>
“I can’t believe Miss Shannon actually has one. Whoever’s backing her must have serious influence p>
“Isn’t her boyfriend lan Goodwin, the CEO of Goodwin & Co.? For someone like him, buying all ten would be nothing p>
The first young woman gazed at Vanessa with open envy. To be loved by a man like lan Goodwin-what could be more fortunate?
Just then, Vanessa’s final notes faded into the air. The room erupted in applause. She pressed a hand to her heart, bowed gracefully, and left the stage with poise.
Returning to her seat, Vanessa was quietly congratulated by the wealthy women around her. She offered a polite smile and a nod in return. Then, one curious matron leaned over. “Miss Shannon, you really are fortunate! That’s a uniquely customized necklace, isn’t it p>
Vanessa’s hand drifted to the necklace. “Thank you,” she replied.
“This collection is truly special. I heard each one is engraved with the owner’s
name—it makes it feel so personal,” the woman added.
Under the dimming lights, Vanessa’s face went pale. Instinctively, she clasped the necklace, forcing a stiff smile. “Is that so p>
“You didn’t know?” The woman sounded genuinely surprised.
Vanessa managed another smile. “Of course I knew. I just thought mine was the only one with a special engraving p>
“Oh, no, all ten are engraved with names p>
Vanessa opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came. She could only manage a strained, hollow laugh.