The silence in the air suddenly was what Karen feared the most. Holding the phone, she stood frozen.
A minute later, Karen screamed at Leo, “Leo, do you know my piano virtuoso!? No, you couldn’t possibly know him. You must be lying to me!!”
“I’m not lying to you. If you help me with this, I’ll make it so you can meet your longed-for piano virtuoso,” Leo’s voice on the other end was certain.
This time, Karen hardly hesitated, immediately agreeing, “Fine, I’ll help you! But if you dare to trick me, I’ll kill you!”
“Okay, the deal is made. Just remember, make sure Sophia wears the most beautiful evening dress.”
After hanging up the phone, Karen was as excited as if she’d taken a stimulant. She went from being drained to suddenly invigorated, fully restored to her optimal state.
Though uncertain about Leo’s claim, at least there was hope of meeting her piano virtuoso. How could Karen not be excited beyond belief?
Four days later, the 19th arrived amidst the anticipation of many.
At exactly 7 o’clock in the evening, as the sun’s glow was fading, the lights of the Wyndham Grand Palace Hotel came to life.
Tonight, it would be the brightest place.
Frenzied men and women had already gathered around the hotel, and nearby hotels and inns were fully booked.
The hotel owners were delighted. For them, the more such events occurred, the better. Making a fortune discreetly was the way to go.
At the Henley family’s villa.
“Karen, what are you up to?” Sophia stood before the mirror, puzzled by her newly changed evening gown. “What event is this that requires me to wear this outfit?”
Gazing at the elegant, stunning Sophia in front of her, Karen praised, “Sophia, you look stunning in that evening dress. Even I’m tempted. Maybe you should divorce Leo and marry me.”
Sophia rolled her eyes, “Call Leo again, I still can’t get through to him.”
“I tried just now, still couldn’t get through,” Karen shook her head.
Sophia was disappointed. She hadn’t expected Leo to be truly missing on the 19th.
Seeing Sophia’s unhappiness, Karen hurriedly said, “Forget about Leo. There’s a very grand gathering tonight and an important friend. If you come with me, you’ll definitely have a great time.”
Seeing Karen’s overexcitement, Sophia wasn’t entirely convinced. She knew Karen’s circle of friends, so what important friend could there be?
Contrary to her demeanor a few days ago, Karen was unusually lively today. This made Sophia suspicious, “Karen, tell me honestly, where are you taking me tonight and who am I going to meet?”
Karen felt uneasy and avoided Sophia’s gaze, saying stubbornly, “You’re overthinking. It’s the 19th, and I thought you might be unhappy, so I wanted to take you out to have some fun.”
Seeing Karen’s lack of deception, Sophia smiled, “First of all, I’m not playing any horror games tonight.”
After joining Karen at a horror party last time, Sophia was left quite shaken.
“Darling, only you could come up with that. Who wears evening gowns to a horror party? Don’t worry about the details. You’ll find out once we get there.”
Karen knew to stop speaking at a proper moment. To meet her piano virtuoso, she needed to make sure Sophia would get to Wyndham Grand Palace Hotel.
Once dressed, the two of them left, with Karen driving.
Under the city’s neon lights at night, the car weaved through the streets and soon entered Wyndham’s underground parking lot.
Although Sophia had only been here once before, she remembered it well.
She didn’t understand why this place, which had been booked entirely for the 19th, was now hosting a party organized by Karen.
Sophia got out of the car and couldn’t help voicing her doubts.
Karen stuck to her response, “You’ll find out soon enough.”
They arrived at the elevator, where a man in a suit was already waiting.
Seeing the two women approach, the suited man politely asked, “Are you Miss Sophia and Miss Karen?”
Karen nodded, “Yes.”
The suited man gestured towards the elevator, “Good evening, ladies. Please follow me.”
Opening the elevator, the suited man led them inside.
Karen found it strange. Leo had only asked her to bring Sophia here, yet there was someone specifically receiving them. It felt odd.
Sophia didn’t say anything, curious about what Karen was up to.
The suited man pressed the button for the top floor.
Karen immediately grew anxious, because she knew the top floor of Wyndham had an enormous, luxurious ballroom. Whoever had booked the whole hotel would certainly show up there. Bringing Sophia here might prick her wound.
“Excuse me, we’re just going to the first floor,” Karen told the suited man.
The man gave her a puzzled look and replied, “I’ve been instructed by the manager to personally take Miss Sophia and Miss Karen to the top floor.”
“What?” Karen’s eyes widened in disbelief.
How could Leo have the qualifications to go to the top floor? Did he know the person who booked the hotel? This was too exaggerated!
Another possibility emerged – today was Leo and Sophia’s wedding anniversary. Maybe… This idea popped into Karen’s mind, and she quickly shook her head. Impossible, absolutely impossible!
Or maybe the person who booked the entire Wyndham was her beloved piano virtuoso?
Karen’s thoughts were in chaos.
Sophia was also feeling uneasy.
Four years ago, she and Leo had their wedding on the top floor in the grand ballroom. What was Karen up to?
Seeing Sophia’s questioning gaze, Karen innocently responded.
Because she genuinely didn’t know anything!
As the elevator ascended to the top floor, Sophia had a guess. Her heart raced, and she asked Karen, “Karen, be honest, is today’s event related to Leo?”
Karen’s brain was now mush. Upon hearing Sophia’s question, she unconsciously replied, “Leo did ask me to bring you here today.”
A strong premonition was forming in Karen’s mind. If Leo was indeed behind this event, Sophia wouldn’t become a subject of gossip, but rather, her status would make countless women in Langstel envious.
Quickly, the elevator arrived at the top floor of the hotel. The suited man led them into the hall.
Just as Sophia and Karen arrived, the sound of a piano started, playing the same tune, “Marriage D’amour.”