Chapter 1294:
โWouldnโt this be better suited for Pearceโs mom? Why give it to me?โ
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 Feliciaโs grasp without further protest. Felicia exhaled a sigh of relief, her smile growing eager.
โElyse, why not come home for a while? The garden is blooming beautifully this time of yearโit would do you good to see it.โ
Elyse paused, carefully measuring her response. โIโve been up to my ears in work, Grandma. Iโll have to check with my agent, but Iโll try to swing by for a meal soon.โ
Pearceโs brows furrowed in confusion. โAn agent? Youโve hired one already? Are they any good?โ
Chloe, standing discreetly behind Elyse, cleared her throat and stepped forward. โIโm Chloe Jones, Elyseโs agent. You can rest assured sheโs in good hands.โ
Felicia gave Chloe a once-over before turning back to Elyse, her concern evident. โOnly one agent? That hardly seems enough! Let me find a few assistants to help. Youโve got so much on your plate, and I want to make sure youโre looked after properly.โ
Elyseโs lips quirked into a wry smile, her tone light but firm. โGrandma, Iโm working, not running a royal court. I donโt need a whole entourage fussing over me.โ
Feliciaโs face fell ever so slightly, her disappointment plain to see. She couldnโt help but reflect on her granddaughterโs fiercely independent spirit. The Benson family had wealth in abundanceโsurely Elyse could stay home and savor lifeโs comforts instead of pushing herself so hard. Felicia struggled to understand why Elyse willingly subjected herself to the grind, working under othersโ expectations and whims. Yet, she swallowed her thoughts, unwilling to risk upsetting Elyse.
Chloe, checking her watch, leaned in and whispered softly, โItโs almost time. We should prepare.โ
Elyse nodded, then turned to her family with a polite smile. โExcuse me. I need to take care of something.โ
Felicia tilted her head curiously. โWhat are you up to, sweetheart?โ
Pearce, aware of the eveningโs schedule, leaned closer and whispered, โGrandma, just wait a little longer. Youโll see.โ
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 figureโElyse, poised gracefully with a violin in hand.
Chloeโs clear voice echoed through the microphone. โLadies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us at Elyse Lloydโs welcome banquet. To express her gratitude, she will now perform a special piece for you.โ
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. . . .