Chapter 176

Chapter 176:

“Has anyone seen Mr. Fletcher?” Yvonne’s eyes darted around the venue, confusion creasing her brow as she searched in vain.

“Mr. Fletcher was quite angry when Carman failed to appear. But then, he claimed to hear some enchanting piano music and simply vanished,” someone from the organizing committee explained.

Relief washed over Yvonne like a cool breeze. Nolan’s absence meant room for damage control, a chance to salvage this precarious situation through careful negotiation.

“Yvonne, what’s the situation with Carman now?”

“Carman’s fans, I’m very sorry to bring you some unfortunate news,” the host’s resonant voice cut through the speakers. “Carman has just received an urgent message that his father lies critically ill in the hospital. At this very moment, he rushes to be by his father’s side. Due to these extraordinary circumstances, Carman cannot continue his participation in this event. Let us all join together in prayer, hoping his father finds the strength to overcome this trying time.”

A twitch played at Yvonne’s lips as comprehension dawned. Broadcasting such an intimate family crisis—a father’s critical condition—before this vast sea of fans was a bold stroke indeed. Now she understood perfectly why the host had insisted on immunity from blame for whatever words left his lips.

“Yvonne, is this true?” The organizers crowded around her, their faces painted with shock and disbelief as they sought answers. Her lips twitched again, a subtle betrayal of her inner conflict. Though hesitation weighed heavy in her heart, she managed a silent nod, becoming an unwitting accomplice in the host’s elaborate fiction.

“Mr. Edwards, I hope you’ll forgive this necessity. My hands are tied,” she whispered under her breath.

Remarkably, the outlandish excuse had worked its magic on the crowd. The earlier storm of discontent turned into a sea of bowed heads and clasped hands, as fans fervently prayed for Connor’s wellbeing. She could only imagine Connor’s reaction if he witnessed this scene. He’d probably be quite overwhelmed.

Janice’s graceful fingers coaxed the final, lingering note from the piano keys, letting it float in the air like a whispered secret. In the sacred silence that followed, she turned to find her solitude had been quietly invaded—a circle of mesmerized onlookers had gathered around her.

Ł∆†€$Ŧ ¢ħ∆₽ŧ€Ř$ įŋ g𝒶l𝑛ovєl𝑠𝒸o𝓂

An enthusiastic round of applause erupted from the crowd. As if awakening from a trance, they showered Janice with vigorous clapping and cheers.

“That was exquisite, truly a marvel!”

“Miss, could you grace us with another tune?”

“I’ve never before experienced a piano performance, and I must say, it was utterly captivating. Your live rendition took my breath away!”

The onlookers expressed their admiration loudly, offering their praises for Janice without restraint.

Sierra made her way through the crowd, flinging her arms around Janice in a tight embrace.

“Thank you, Janice,” she murmured, her voice muffled by the tears she had shed during the performance. “Thank you for truly understanding me. This gift is exactly what I needed. Your music has filled me with new courage.”

Janice responded by tenderly stroking Sierra’s hair, offering words of comfort in a soothing tone. “The fact that you’re here today is proof of your courage, Sierra. Keep pressing forward and never look back.”

“Okay,” Sierra whispered back, her expression solidifying into resolve stronger than ever as she wiped away her last tear.

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