?<strong>Chapter 288:</strong>


    Joelle’s eyes widened in recognition. It was the violin Adrian had once procured at an auction, a treasure he cherished dearly. Astonished, she found herself momentarily speechless, her eyshes fluttering as she exchanged nces with Leah and Can.


    “Thank you,” she uttered with genuine warmth. Despite Adrian’s ulterior motives, she would forever cherish the kindness he had shown in this very moment.


    Joelle donned the wrist guard and coaxed a few tentative notes from the instrument. The rich, resonant tones of this exquisite violin seemed to carry the weight of history, infusing her performance with an addedyer of depth.


    As Julian’s fingers danced across the piano keys, the lights began to dim row by row, casting a mysterious blue glow that slowly enveloped the venue. The blue hue was reminiscent of the deep, fathomless sea, and the violin’s haunting melody wove seamlessly with the piano’s enchanting tune.


    The tform began to ascend, a brilliant white spotlight illuminating Joelle, casting her in a radiant, almost ethereal light. She had changed into a white gown, its elegance and purity portraying her as an otherworldly figure in a timeless tale, her violin weaving a romance that spanned eons.


    The spotlight above her head was akin to sunlight piercing the ocean’s depths, capturing the very essence of life’s cycles and the breath of all existence, vividly conveyed through her violin’s melody.


    Six hourster, the performance drew to a triumphant close, and the hall reverberated with thunderous apuse.


    In thest row of the audience sat a man in a sharp ck suit, his mixed descent lending him strikingly deep features. He rested his chin on his hand, observing Joelle as she received flowers on stage with mild, almost detached interest.


    Beside him, Leo inquired, “Jonathan, shall we go?”


    Jonathan smirked. “Is she the one Gina is jealous of?”


    Leo replied, “Yes, that’s Joelle Watson.”


    Jonathan rotated the ring on his thumb, humming, “Gina indeed deserves to be jealous of her.”


    Leo concurred, musing on the adage that the difference between people might be greater than that between humans and pigs. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated Jonathan’s bluntness, given his long-standing indulgence of Gina, to the point where he wouldn’t tolerate any criticism of her.


    As he pondered, Jonathan stood up. “Let’s go.”


    Joelle was enveloped by admirers, while Adrian watched her from the audience, his gaze unwavering. After years, she was once again bathed in the radiant glow of the stage, a phoenix reborn from the ashes of her past.


    The most gratifying aspect was that Adrian was there to witness her metamorphosis and growth, a validation that meant more to her than any de. Joelle was no longer the timid girl whonguished at home, dutifully performing chores and waiting for her husband’s return.


    In the backstage, Aurora, d in a little dress, darted towards her with a bouquet of flowers, trailed by Rnd, whose steps were still unsteady but full of determination. “Mommy, you are amazing!”


    Joelle crouched down, her hands gently patting the children’s heads, her gaze catching Adrian as he approached.


    She stood up gracefully. “Thank you for your assistance today.”


    “It was worth it to hear such a magnificent performance and witness such a grand show.” Joelle smiled modestly.


    Adrian inquired, “Would you like to have dinner togetherter?”


    Joelle hesitated, then apologized, “I have much to attend to.”


    She indeed had a plethora of tasks to attend to, not only unmasking the saboteur but also celebrating her triumphant return. Of course, she privately wished to maintain a certain distance from Adrian.


    “Aurora, Rnd, say goodbye to this gentleman.”


    The children, with their innocent hearts, chirped, “Goodbye!” Adrian’s fingers curled slightly; she hadn’t even afforded him an opportunity. He had so much he yearned to convey to Joelle, but her aloofness was palpable.


    Adrian was at a loss,cking experience in navigating suchplexities. The more distant she became, the more his guilt gnawed at him. “Joelle.”


    She was already turning away with the children when he called out to her.


    She turned back, asking, “What is it?”


    “Can we start as friends?”


    Joelle looked puzzled, then she smiled. “Let nature take its course.”


    She was not devoid of emotion. Even if she harbored resentment towards Adrian, she could sense the changes in him. But she couldn’t promise the future, as no one could foresee whaty ahead. The current situation was just fine, whether as acquaintances who knew each other well but remained distant or as friends who no longer kept in touch. Joelle had relinquished all her resentment and embarked on a new chapter of her life.


    Adrian watched them leave until they disappeared around the corner, and then departed.


    “Mr. Miller, shall we go?”


    “Yes.”


    Both sides of the corridor were adorned with flower baskets, each one congratting Joelle on her sessful concert. One of them caught Adrian’s attention because there was something peculiar among the flowers. They didn’t resemble real flowers. Upon closer inspection, Adrian discovered they were fake flowers made of paper, with curses scrawled upon them.


    The genuine flowers surrounding them were interspersed with flowers mourning the dead. Recalling the earlier incident where Joelle’s violin strings had been cut, Adrian’s expression darkened.


    “Has Joelle had any conflicts with someone recently?” Can blurted out.


    “As far as I know, her father’s death seems rted to Gina Robles, the Watson family had been supporting. Mr. Miller, should we start by investigating Gina?”


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