Chapter 7

Having won the International Violin Gold and making my first public appearance, my online presence was currently sky-high.

Director Miller, a renowned filmmaker, personally called, inviting me to cameo as a violinist in his new movie.

My teacher urged me to take it, saying it was a fantastic opportunity.

I didn’t want to go.

She tried to persuade me: "Iris, you can't stay hidden forever.

"That whole affair, it was years ago. No one remembers it anymore.

"Look, when you revealed your face after winning the gold, no one recognized you, did they?"

She had mentored me for over a decade, always considering me her most brilliant student.

Naturally, she hoped I would shine.

I hesitated all night, but in the end, I went.

I just never expected Adrian to be there.

When I noticed him, he was lounging in a director’s chair, lazily soaking up the sun.

The man once blacklisted by his agency had long since reclaimed his top spot in the entertainment industry.

He seemed to sense my gaze.

He turned his head, glancing at me.

It was a casual, fleeting look, his face devoid of any expression.

Instead of seeing him as an ex I hadn’t seen in five years, it felt more like we were complete strangers.

But at that moment, what truly captured my attention wasn't him.

It was the girl sitting right next to him—the same one he was with at the airport yesterday.

Now, the girl had taken off her mask, and I recognized her face.

It was Chloe Clarke, my father’s stepdaughter.

I couldn't even remember how many years it had been since I last saw Chloe.

Her face suddenly crashing into my line of sight felt like a needle violently piercing my brain.

My stomach lurched, churning violently.

The bright sunlight hit me, and I swayed, almost collapsing in front of everyone.

In that dizzying moment, I vaguely saw Adrian’s expression change as he looked my way.

One hand, casually draped over the armrest of his chair, tightened, as if he were about to spring up.