Elara Hale clearly wasn't buying it.
She scoffed in disdain. "So two-faced. How boring."
"If you like someone, fight for them. If you want something, take it. That's how you get what you want. Since you're so 'happy' for Mr. Blackwood, Miss Lancaster, please stand aside, be a good girl, and watch from the back. Don't get in the way of those of us who are bold enough to pursue love."
With that, Elara Hale gestured toward the main stage with her chin.
Over there, after Brianna had finished an elegant opening violin solo to thunderous applause, many socialites were already taking the opportunity to congratulate her, toast Old Mr. Blackwood, and cleverly showcase their own talents.
Reciting poetry, displaying painting skills, demonstrating musical or chess abilities— they were all using their various talents, creating a lively and harmonious atmosphere.
By now, some of them had finished their displays.
Elara Hale's lips curled into a provocative smile at Isabella. "Then you, Miss 'Above
It All,' with your dubious title, can just obediently stand aside."
After saying this, she turned and walked toward the main stage.
Elara Hale, ever confident and poised, presented a beautifully wrapped gift to Brianna. "Brianna, happy birthday."
Brianna accepted it politely, and at the host's prompting, the gift was displayed for all to see.
Instantly, gasps of astonishment filled the room.
"Isn't that the Whispering Dawn Brooch, the last masterpiece of the late jewelry master Holly, which was sold at auction for nearly forty million dollars to a mysterious buyer?!"
It was an extremely rare pink diamond brooch shaped like a butterfly with its wings spread for flight. The carving was lifelike, dreamy, and exquisite, shimmering brilliantly.
It was perfectly suited for a young lady of Brianna's age.
"So, the mysterious buyer was Miss Hale."
"As expected of the daughter of Marivelle Port's richest man. What a grand gesture... It seems the relationship between the Blackwood and Hale families is indeed quite close."
Brianna naturally loved the gift, her eyes lighting up. "Thank you, Elara! How did you know I've wanted this brooch for so long?"
Elara Hale smiled. "Since it's your coming-of-age, a birthday gift should be something that truly touches your heart."
Brianna smiled sweetly. "I love it."
Given his family's recent major collaboration with the Hales, and his already
favorable impression of the capable young Hale heiress, Old Mr. Blackwood's smile deepened. He nodded at Elara Hale. "You've gone to a lot of trouble, my dear Elara."
The price of the gift wasn't what mattered.
What mattered was the thought behind it.
"As long as Brianna likes it," Elara Hale said with an elegant smile.
This scene was interpreted in various ways by the onlookers.
Judging by Old Mr. Blackwood's attitude, the relationship between the two families was indeed extraordinary.
And Elara Hale had put so much effort into Brianna's gift.
Could it be...
That there was really something brewing between the Blackwood and Hale families?
If this powerful alliance were to happen, it would be a fine match indeed.
Countless subtle gazes subconsciously shifted toward Isabella in the front row, their eyes filled with a hint of schadenfreude.
A Vaelion City "richest man's daughter" versus a Marivelle Port richest man's daughter...
Tsk, tsk.
They were indeed evenly matched.
Isabella's expression was beyond livid.
She used to revel in this kind of attention.
But now, she felt as if everyone's gaze was a needle pricking her skin.
She felt herself start to waver.
Karen gripped her wrist tightly.
"Isabella, get a grip! I haven't heard
anything about the Blackwood
family forming an alliance with the Hales Besides why would
like her?
Nicholas ever like a woma Don't lose your nerve!"
"She's going to perform, right? You perform right after her! Didn't you just win first place in this year's piano competition? You can crush her with your skill and show
everyone that you the daughter
Vaelion City's richest man, are far superior to the daughter of Marivelle Port's richest man!"
Isabella's fingers trembled. She took a deep breath to calm herself. Right!
Later, she had to be at her absolute best.
After Elara Hale finished performing, she would go on stage and play the piano, making everyone understand that Elara tale was not even worthy of being compared to her!
Just as she was thinking this, she saw a white grand piano being raised onto the
main stage.
Elara Hale sat down with an elegant posture.
Isabella's pupils contracted violently.
Elara Hale was also performing on the piano?!
Did she know all along that she was going to play the piano and deliberately preempted her...?
The moment Elara Hale's fingers touched the keys, Isabella's expression grew even more tense.
"I heard Miss Hale studied under an international master. She truly lives up to her reputation!"
“The melody, the technique, the emotional expression... it's simply mesmerizing!”
"So talented! Truly worthy of being the daughter of Marivelle Port's richest man!”
The sounds of praise rose and fell.
Isabella's fingers clenched, one by one.
In the corner.
Serena watched the woman at the piano on the main stage, her eyebrows raised
and a slight smile playing on her lips.
Her technique was indeed masterful.
It was pleasant to listen to.
These so-called top-tier socialites, each of them, truly had some real skill.