Chapter 539
Eleanor realized that lan had only kept her behind to say a few words. Gathering her materials, she quietly slipped out. Watching her leave, lan’s eyes softened as he remembered that tonight, Evelyn would be performing on stage. A flicker of fatherly pride shone in his gaze.
Saturday was just around the corner-Evelyn’s big day. Eleanor had gone out of her way to get the judges’ list for the competition. Scanning the names provided by the TV station, she didn’t see Vanessa’s anywhere. The relief was palpable.
She wanted to keep her daughter as far away from Vanessa as possible. Even if she could tell Evelyn that Vanessa was her father’s mistress, it wouldn’t change anything.
That evening, Eleanor sat down to help Evelyn prepare mentally for the stage. But her daughter’s face was all excitement, radiating pure joy-there wasn’t a hint of nerves or stage fright. Eleanor relaxed a little herself.
Saturday morning.
Backstage at the TV studio, the place was buzzing with parents and kids. Eleanor waited with Evelyn for their turn. She’d gone all out this time-Evelyn’s performance dress was a custom gown from a boutique. With her natural beauty, dressed in a white, poofy dress and her long, glossy hair tied back with a bow,
Evelyn looked every bit the little princess.
Evelyn did a twirl. “Mom, do I look pretty p>
“You look wonderful,” Eleanor replied, her voice gentle. “When you get on stage, don’t be nervous. Just play like you do at home p>
Evelyn nodded with determination. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll do my best.” Her eyes sparkled. “Is Dad really coming p>
Eleanor smiled and nodded. “He promised he’d be here p>
Evelyn’s face lit up even more. “And Vivian said she’s coming to watch too p>
Eleanor wasn’t surprised-a lot of parents were bringing their kids to watch the contest today.
Nearby, two moms were chatting. One picked up her phone, listened for a moment, then exclaimed, “I just heard there’s been a change in the judges’ panel -someone new’s been added p>
Right then, a staff member poked their head in. “Five minutes to showtime! Kids, get ready, please p>
The mom left her sentence hanging and hurried off to encourage her child. Eleanor knelt beside Evelyn, squeezed her little hand, and gave her a final boost of confidence.
Inside the brightly lit auditorium, the show was already in full swing.
Four children performed, and then it was Evelyn’s turn. Eleanor watched her daughter follow the stage manager and quickly slipped out to the audience, taking her seat just as the next act began. She reached for her water bottle to calm her
nerves.
That’s when she noticed who was sitting at the center of the judges’ table— Vanessa, in an elegant white gown, chatting with the other judges. The way the spotlights caught her made her seem almost luminous, all poise and charisma.
Eleanor’s breath caught. Vanessa had shown up after all. As an internationally renowned pianist, she had the clout to be added to the panel at the last minute. Eleanor didn’t need to guess whose idea that was.
lan’s.
A glint of light caught Eleanor’s eye-a massive diamond ring on Vanessa’s finger sparkled under the stage lights.
Eleanor glanced two seats down, where lan was sitting. In the dim light, he lounged casually, eyes fixed on the stage.
They didn’t interact, but the current between them was unmistakable-Vanessa’s playful gestures, her obvious good mood.
One smiled from the front row. The other watched from the shadows, indulgent.
Eleanor tore her gaze away. Her daughter was now seated at the piano. The opening bars of the accompaniment started. Evelyn’s tiny fingers danced nimbly across the keys, the melody flowing effortlessly out into the hall. Eleanor silently kept time, counting Evelyn’s rhythm, noticing how steady her daughter was—meanwhile, Eleanor’s own palms were slick with nerves.
On the judges’ panel, Vanessa tilted her head, her gaze landing on Evelyn, and her expression-broadcast on the giant screen-was warm and attentive.
Evelyn’s performance was flawless. When she finished, the hall erupted in applause. She stood, gave a polite bow to the judges, her face radiant with confidence.
The host crouched down and smiled at her. “Thank you, Evelyn, for that wonderful performance! Now, let’s hear what the judges have to say p>
Each judge gave high marks. When it was Vanessa’s turn, she took the microphone and spoke warmly, “Evelyn, your performance was outstanding. The emotion you conveyed was remarkable, especially for someone only six years old. Truly exceptional p>
Evelyn’s eyes widened in surprise and delight as she looked at the judging panel. Vanessa continued, “Evelyn, you were absolutely brilliant tonight! So, I’m giving you-a perfect score p>
The audience burst into applause, and from his seat, lan watched his daughter with open pride and affection.
Evelyn beamed as she heard her score, showing off her bright, gap-toothed smile as she was guided backstage.
Eleanor quickly made her way to the green room, where Evelyn ran into her arms. “Mom, did I play well p>
“You were amazing,” Eleanor said, pride in her voice.
Just then, Evelyn let go and called out happily over Eleanor’s shoulder, “Daddy p>