Chapter 490

Tessa nodded when she heard Hathaway’s instruction. Then, she got up and went to inform the other members.

After a few minutes, everyone gathered backstage.

Hathaway looked around as she stood in the center and announced, “There are two things that I would like to inform everyone about for today’s meeting.”

After she spoke, she paused before continuing “Due to personal reasons, Kathleen will be absent from the performance this time.”

“What? Kathleen can’t participate in the performance?”

“Without Kathleen, what will happen to the position of the concertmaster?”

“Is the performance going to be canceled?”

At once, the crowd was in an uproar. Soon, it became a subject widely discussed by everyone in the orchestra.

Likewise, Tessa also frowned. However, she did not express any opinion.

Hathaway had already expected she would witness such a boisterous scene when she decided to make the announcement earlier.

She clapped her hands and motioned everyone to quiet down. Then, she reassured everyone. “Don’t worry. I will not cancel the performance.”

“If the performance is not canceled, who will take over Kathleen’s position?” asked an orchestra member.

Hathaway said solemnly after she glanced at that person, “This is exactly what I’ll be going to announce next.”

When everyone heard this, they instantly quieted down.

Hathaway scanned through the crowd when everyone went silent in anticipation. Finally, her gaze landed on Tessa. “I have decided. Tessa will replace Kathleen and perform as a concertmaster.”

I made this decision after careful consideration. In another way, it can also be regarded as my compensation for Tessa.

After a moment of surprise, everyone started applauding and congratulating Tessa.

“Congratulations, Tessa!”

They had no problem accepting Hathaway’s decision. On the contrary, they even felt that Hathaway was very judicious and deserved to be regarded as a maestro-level violinist.

Meanwhile, Tessa stayed frozen on the spot with a disbelieving look on her face. She did not expect that Hathaway would let her replace Kathleen and perform on stage.

Hathaway smiled when she noticed Tessa’s stupefied look. “What’s wrong? Did you think I would favor my own daughter?”

Tessa was rendered speechless. As a matter of fact, she did have such thoughts in her heart.

Similarly, Hathaway saw through Tessa as well. However, she didn’t take it to heart.

“Although Kathleen is my daughter, you’re also my apprentice. Kathleen is selfish, and I know you’re willing to let her off out of your respect for me. Besides, I let you take over her position because you have the talent. Your ability in the orchestra is plain for all to see. The rest won’t have any opinion about this.”

When Tessa heard this, she was very moved.

“Thank you, Miss Hathaway, for giving me this opportunity.” She looked at Hathaway gratefully.

Hathaway sighed with emotion when she saw this, “Kathleen really can’t compare with you in terms of temperament.”

Tessa pursed the corners of her lips slightly when she heard that. However, she did not answer her.

At the same time, she also felt that there was a stark difference between Kathleen’s temperament and Hathaway’s.

After the meeting, Tessa could not wait much longer and shared the good news with Nicholas.

“Miss Hathaway had just decided to let me replace Kathleen for tonight’s performance!”

He raised the corners of his lips happily when he saw the joyful look on his girl’s face.

“Well then, congratulations.” He congratulated her with a gentle voice. But, at the same time, he felt that Hathaway was a good person. At least she didn’t mistreat Tessa because she favored her daughter.

She nodded with a smile. Then, she looked at him expectantly.

“Can you come and watch the performance tonight?”

“Of course! How could I possibly miss your performance?”

Nicholas looked at Tessa affectionately. His eyes were deep like a deep pool, making her drown in his adoration for her.

Tessa smiled shyly under his tender gaze. “Don’t look at me like that.”

However, he only smiled in response when he heard that.

After that, the two spent a while on the phone before ending the call.

Tessa did not immediately put down the phone. Instead, she dialed Timothy’s number.

“Tim, I’m going to perform on stage tonight. Why don’t you come and watch too?” She briefly told Timothy the story and invited him.

As Tessa’s supportive brother, he naturally agreed to attend. But, at the same time, he also felt that Hathaway was not that bad of a person.

That night, the atmosphere outside the Silverscape Theater was vivacious. Private cars were seen parked all over the street.

Acquainted guests were chatting and laughing with each other as they entered the venue with their tickets.