Chapter 406 Stepping Stone

Tilda and her squad sat down. She opened the menu, and for the first time tonight, her usually calm eyes lit with a spark of interest.

At first, when she heard this was a branch of Sky Dining, she thought the menu would be the same. She figured the only difference would be the new atmosphere. But she hadn’t expected this. Here, the focus was on Thalorian cuisine and Yvorian cuisine. The original Sky Dining featured Yvorian cuisine and Flonchean cuisine. The first was all about spice. The second was all about unique flavors.

Theo explained, “To balance the two restaurants, my dad and Alfie decided the second branch would carry the Sky Dining name, but with a different focus. Of course, we still serve Yvorian cuisine here. But now guests can also experience Thalorian cuisine alongside it.”

“That’s a great idea,” Tilda said. Theo had arranged things perfectly.

Just then, a young woman in a red evening gown walked toward them. She had a refined beauty, and an artistic air hung about her.

“Mr. Dowdall, is it time?” she asked softly.

That voice… why did it sound so familiar? Tilda’s gaze sharpened. She couldn’t shake the feeling she had seen this woman before.

I’ve definitely seen that face somewhere before! But where?

For a moment, Tilda just couldn’t remember.

“Mr. Theo,” Kendric said, “this is our pianist for the soft opening–Ms. Genevieve Lichtenstein. She just won an international award. She’s in high demand, and if it weren’t for her past work with Woodward Group, we wouldn’t have been able to invite such a young, talented pianist.”

Jarrett slapped his forehead. “Genevieve? I’ve heard that name! Where was it … ?”

Astrid gave him a look. “Did you forget? The piano concert we went to last time was Ms. Lichtenstein’s.”

“Oh, right! That was her! Your playing was amazing!”

“Thank you for the compliment,” Genevieve said politely with a graceful smile.

Then her eyes shifted. She felt a sharp gaze fixed on her. Looking up, she met Tilda’s stare.

“Miss, have we met before? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Tilda smiled lightly. “No reason. You’re just very beautiful, so I looked a little longer.”

But the truth was, the moment she heard the name Genevieve, memories from her past life had come rushing back.

Wasn’t this Justin’s girlfriend from back then? In that life, Justin and Genevieve had kept their relationship secret. Tilda only learned about it shortly before her death. By the time she was dragged into the Jenson Villa, Justin and Genevieve were nearly engaged.

Back then, because Kyla schemed, Justin already had a terrible impression of Tilda. She remembered hiding upstairs, peeking down as the Jensons laughed and chatted warmly with Genevieve. Her heart had felt like it was being torn apart. Genevieve had known the Jensons adored Kyla, so she bent over backward to please her. Tilda, however, was invisible to her.

Still, Genevieve hadn’t harmed her directly. She simply ignored her, just like the rest of the Jensons. And now, fate had brought them face to face again. Fate was funny that way.

Is Justin already with Genevieve at this point in time? Tilda pushed the thought aside. Not my problem.

Genevieve, of course, had no idea Tilda knew so much.

The reason she had approached Kendric was simple. She knew only the rich and powerful could dine here. Though she didn’t know one of the women, she knew Theo, Jarrett, and Zach. She hadn’t expected Tilda to hang out with them.

Genevieve’s real goal was to marry into the Jensons. She had already studied their family ties inside and out. And with Tilda being so famous now, it wasn’t hard to recognize her face.

That worried her. If Justin or the Jensons misunderstood, her plans could fall apart. So Genevieve just gave a polite smile. “Thank you for the kind words. Mr. Dowdall, I’ll head backstage to prepare.”

“Thank you, Ms. Lichtenstein. Tonight’s performance is in your hands,” Theo said warmly.

“Leave it to me,” Genevieve replied.

She left, but Theo had noticed something strange. He leaned close and whispered, “Queen, do you know that woman? I’ve never seen you stare at someone like that before.”

“I just remembered something amusing,” Tilda said. “Don’t worry about it.”

The lights in the restaurant dimmed. A violinist began to play, the sound smooth and elegant. When that piece ended, it would be time for Genevieve’s solo performance.

Backstage, Genevieve sat at a mirror. She applied a fresh coat of lipstick and pressed her lips together. She had sacrificed a lot for this chance. Everyone who had an invitation to Starlight Dining was wealthy, influential, or both. If she played well tonight, she would leave a deep impression.

And that could become the stepping stone to her career.