Chapter 1294:
“Wouldn’t this be better suited for Pearce’s mom? Why give it to me?”
Felicia chose not to elaborate, simply pressing Elyse to accept it. Elyse hesitated, her gaze flickering to Pearce, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. At last, she relented, slipping her hand away from Felicia’s grasp without further protest. Felicia exhaled a sigh of relief, her smile growing eager.
“Elyse, why not come home for a while? The garden is blooming beautifully this time of year—it would do you good to see it.”
Elyse paused, carefully measuring her response. “I’ve been up to my ears in work, Grandma. I’ll have to check with my agent, but I’ll try to swing by for a meal soon.”
Pearce’s brows furrowed in confusion. “An agent? You’ve hired one already? Are they any good?”
Chloe, standing discreetly behind Elyse, cleared her throat and stepped forward. “I’m Chloe Jones, Elyse’s agent. You can rest assured she’s in good hands.”
Felicia gave Chloe a once-over before turning back to Elyse, her concern evident. “Only one agent? That hardly seems enough! Let me find a few assistants to help. You’ve got so much on your plate, and I want to make sure you’re looked after properly.”
Elyse’s lips quirked into a wry smile, her tone light but firm. “Grandma, I’m working, not running a royal court. I don’t need a whole entourage fussing over me.”
Felicia’s face fell ever so slightly, her disappointment plain to see. She couldn’t help but reflect on her granddaughter’s fiercely independent spirit. The Benson family had wealth in abundance—surely Elyse could stay home and savor life’s comforts instead of pushing herself so hard. Felicia struggled to understand why Elyse willingly subjected herself to the grind, working under others’ expectations and whims. Yet, she swallowed her thoughts, unwilling to risk upsetting Elyse.
Chloe, checking her watch, leaned in and whispered softly, “It’s almost time. We should prepare.”
Elyse nodded, then turned to her family with a polite smile. “Excuse me. I need to take care of something.”
Felicia tilted her head curiously. “What are you up to, sweetheart?”
Pearce, aware of the evening’s schedule, leaned closer and whispered, “Grandma, just wait a little longer. You’ll see.”
Felicia muttered a few words under her breath but refrained from pressing further.
Moments later, the lights in the venue dimmed, leaving only a soft ambient glow. A murmur of curiosity rippled through the hall as guests exchanged puzzled glances. Then, a spotlight cut through the dimness, illuminating a single figure—Elyse, poised gracefully with a violin in hand.
Chloe’s clear voice echoed through the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us at Elyse Lloyd’s welcome banquet. To express her gratitude, she will now perform a special piece for you.”
Elyse closed her eyes briefly, letting the world fade away, and drew her bow across the strings. The melody began, tender and heartfelt, each note weaving a tapestry of emotion that captivated the audience. . . .