Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Annabelle held a significant status in Ashbury, always maintaining her dignity. It was surprising enough that she hadn’t come down to greet the guests from the upstairs lounge, let alone initiating a conversation with a junior like Tina. Especially since Tina had almost turned Amber’s banquet into a joke, one would assume Annabelle would at least give Tina the cold shoulder, if not admonish her.

Yet, Annabelle’s approachable and friendly demeanor now puzzled everyone. “Grandma, do you know Tina?” Amber asked, feigning curiosity. Tina paused, confused. The grandmother of the Ashbury Reed family? Her gaze swept over the members of the Reed family, briefly meeting Jasper Reed’s probing eyes, then passing the sullen faces of Elizabeth and her sons before resting on Amber with a meaningful look. “Grandma?” Tina chuckled internally, amused by the title.

“I had a mishap in Ensford, and Miss Tina was kind enough to rescue me,” Annabelle revealed, surprising Amber even further. “Miss Tina, I owe you a great deal of thanks for that. If it hadn’t been for you and Mr. Farrell, I might not have been here today. I’ve been looking for a chance to thank you both, but I didn’t know your identities until now.”

People around them exchanged glances, realizing how fortunate Tina was, not only favored by the Farrell family and engaged to Jared Farrell but now indebted by Annabelle as well. If Tina were to marry into the Ashbury family, wouldn’t she be able to walk sideways through Ashbury?

Tina remained indifferent. Whether it was the Farrells or the Reeds, gratitude or enmity, she cared little. She had never placed any family in high regard. “Grandma?” Amber seethed with jealousy internally, as Annabelle had never been this polite to her.

“When did Tina save you? What happened?” Amber clenched her fists, trying to suppress her anger. Annabelle simply smiled at Tina, “Today is my granddaughter’s banquet, and it wouldn’t be right to discuss this now. I will make sure to visit you soon to express my gratitude.” She glanced at Jasper Reed, who followed her cue and addressed the guests, “Since Mr. Tanner has decided to stop the fashion show, why don’t we all listen to Master Sutcliffe play the piano?”

This was an attempt to move past the earlier mishaps and regain some order. The crowd willingly shifted from the fashion show to the main banquet hall, no longer discussing the previous events. Here, the original pianist was replaced by Sutcliffe, an internationally renowned master brought in by the Reed family. The lights dimmed, spotlighting the young man with a ponytail sitting at the piano. He played with focused precision, his music flowing effortlessly.

Tina and Jared Farrell stood together, overhearing nearby guests sighing at the beautiful music. Sutcliffe, a prodigy who had gained international fame for his piano skills by eighteen, was known for his reclusive nature due to his isolated upbringing focused on music. Like always, he finished his piece, closed the piano lid without thanking the audience, and stood up to leave. However, something made him pause.

Tina’s eyes met Sutcliffe’s across the crowd. He seemed surprised to see her here but nodded lightly before walking away. This unusual acknowledgment caused a stir among the guests, who speculated about who he had recognized.

“Amber, do you know Sutcliffe?” Elise Chandler asked, surprised. “He seemed to be nodding in this direction. Was he greeting you?”

Amber didn’t actually know Sutcliffe and couldn’t understand why he would acknowledge her. “Maybe,” she replied, unsure, “perhaps because I’m the star today?” she added with a modest laugh while her eyes darted to Annabelle, pleased with herself. Amber had been trained in piano since her youth at Moon Gate Estate and had won many piano competitions, earning her a reputation in Ensford.

Audrey Woodwind looked skeptical as Elise Chandler encouraged Amber, “Why don’t you play a piece for us, Amber, to show off your piano skills?”

“That wouldn’t be right,” Amber hesitated, then pointed at Tina, “Actually, my piano skills are quite ordinary. If we’re talking about talent, Tina should be the one to play a piece.”

Tina raised her eyebrows at the challenge. “Tina, it’s my banquet, and I haven’t heard you play the piano in so long,” Amber pressed, blatantly lying, “Please play a piece as a gift to me?”

Tina, once looked down upon in Ensford for her humble origins, now faced Amber, the celebrated jewel of the Ashbury Reed family. Amber aimed to crush Tina beneath her feet, seeing herself as a proud swan against Tina’s ugly duckling. “Are you worthy?” Tina scoffed dismissively.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“How dare you speak like that!” Elise Chandlererupted, defending Amber. “Amber is only asking you to play the piano. If you feel your skills are inadequate or you’re too scared to play, just say so. There’s no need for such harsh words!”