Chapter 287: Chapter 287



Before the event could even start, there was already a hiccup, causing Joelle to fret about potential further complications. As everyone awaited her decision, Joelle pondered briefly before saying, “Let’s postpone it by an hour.”

Turning to her assistant, she instructed, “Find my senior.”

“The lead pianist from the international symphony orchestra?” Joelle nodded. “Yes, ask him to come and entertain our guests in the meantime.”

The audience was all settled in, and as the initially scheduled time approached, Joelle stepped forward to announce the delay due to technical difficulties.

The crowd immediately started whispering their dissatisfaction. Joelle apologized, “To make up for the wait, I’ve arranged for my senior to perform a set for you.”

She then introduced the approaching figure with a courteous gesture. “Julian Hartman.”

The audience burst into applause.

Julian Hartman had made headlines internationally in recent years. As a prominent young pianist of an international symphony, he was celebrated as a national treasure. His concerts were notoriously difficult to get into, with tickets selling for exorbitant prices. The audience was thrilled by the unexpected treat of his performance at Joelle’s event.

As the lights dimmed, Joelle and Julian appeared on stage—he, dashing in a black-and-white tuxedo, and she, radiant in a red dress.

From the front row, Adrian caught Joelle’s smile at Julian, sparking a sudden irritation within him, though he couldn’t pinpoint the reason. His relaxed hand gradually tightened into a fist.

“Callan.”

“Yes, Mr. Miller. What do you need?”

Adrian relaxed his fist and said, “Find out what caused the delay.”

Clearly, something serious had caused the hour-long delay. Callan knew what was needed without further detail.

“Right away.”

Just as Julian had begun his solo piano performance, Callan returned shortly after. The music flowed gracefully between powerful highs and delicate melodies, telling a story full of emotion. Adrian, with his background in music, recognized that Julian’s talent lived up to his fame.

“Mr. Miller, it seems that all of Ms. Watson’s violins were sabotaged; someone cut the strings on all six, and even the spare strings are missing.”

“What?”

The main draw for many was to hear Joelle perform on the violin. Without her violins, what was the event for?

Callan quickly added, “Not to worry, replacements are on their way.”

Adrian remained silent, his face somber.

“Have Leah fetch the violin from the basement.”

Callan was surprised. “Mr. Miller, that’s the violin you secured at auction for millions. Are you certain you want to loan it to Ms. Watson?”

Adrian responded nonchalantly, “I can’t manage everything, but I’ll ensure nothing goes awry on my part. She’s earned this opportunity, and even if she doesn’t need it, I want it available for her.”

Callan looked at him thoughtfully. He had been sent by Amara to monitor Adrian’s personal dealings. The previous woman in Adrian’s life, Paula, had been a problem, and Callan had vehemently opposed that relationship, following Amara’s directions. But Joelle was different.

Having served the Miller family for years, Callan understood what Joelle had endured during her three-year marriage to Adrian. Despite her prestigious background, Joelle was caring, often taking on tasks herself and showing kindness to everyone. Even though there were whispers that she had married into the Miller family under dubious circumstances, Callan personally held her in high regard.

“I understand, Mr. Miller. I’ll contact Leah immediately.”

As Joelle had feared, the delivery of the new strings faced delay. Onstage, Julian was nearing the climax of his performance, but the staff were in disarray.

“What do we do now, Joelle? Without the strings, the violin segment is compromised!”

Joelle sighed, blaming herself for not being better prepared. While everyone around her panicked, she quietly opened an old, worn case. Inside was a decaying violin she had discovered earlier, likely left by a previous performer. The instrument was in poor condition, and Joelle realized she would need to modify her entire performance to accommodate it.

Just as she resolved to do so, Adrian’s assistant approached her.

“Ms. Watson, could you step aside with me for a moment?”

Confused, Joelle followed him.

Callan gestured, and Leah came in, followed by several people. Each carried a violin case, most bearing the logo of Joelle’s studio. She recognized them as the violins Adrian had bought from her previously.

With a smile, Leah handed her the most precious one. “Mr. Miller insisted I bring this to you. Hurry now! You don’t want to delay the concert any longer!”

.

.

.