Chapter 3

As for Julian buying me a ticket, I was more inclined to believe he was just putting on a show of a loving couple for his father.

Someone who hated me as much as he did would never genuinely do something good for me.

I touched the necklace around my neck.

I closed my eyes –

This was the only memento my mother left me.

It was also the Vance family's legacy, passed down through generations.

I would never, ever give it to anyone.

I took off the necklace, carefully placed it in a velvet box, and packed it into my suitcase.

I had planned to leave that night, but an electronic invitation landed in my inbox.

It was for my mother's fifth anniversary memorial concert.

Inviting me, her only descendant, to perform her classic compositions.

I hesitated for a moment.

I called Arthur.

"Can I come a couple of days later?"

A moment of silence.

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"How could I?" I laughed. "I have something I absolutely must do."

"...Alright, I trust you, and I'll wait for you."

A warm feeling welled up in my heart.

I nodded. "Okay."

The concert was in two days.

During these two days, I didn't send Julian a single message.

And he, as always, never contacted me first.

I enjoyed the peace, focusing on practicing my mother's pieces.

Though I knew them by heart, I still wanted to present my best at my mother's memorial concert.

That morning, I woke up early, washed, and did my makeup.

But, the moment I opened the red velvet box, the necklace was gone.

I froze.

A bad premonition crept into my heart.

I called Julian.

Through the phone, the background music of a concert hall sent a chill down my spine.

"Are you at a concert? Did you take my necklace?!"

Julian's voice was nonchalant.

"Seraphina has never performed at an event like this. She's always dreamed of being a musician, but due to her family circumstances, she never had the chance. For you, a descendant of a renowned musical family, these occasions are plentiful. Seraphina's birthday is coming up; just consider this your birthday gift to her."

"Julian!!"

My furious shout echoed through the room.

But then, the dial tone 'beeped' through the receiver. He'd hung up.

I called again; no answer.

I rushed to the venue as fast as I could.

The moment I stepped out of the car, the music emanating from inside made my blood run cold –

No! This song absolutely cannot be played in this setting!