“No worries. It’s the very least I can do,” Hubbs responded with a faint smile on his face.
His gaze then shifted to Tessa’s gown. Frowning, he continued, “Why did these straps snap so abruptly? Although the hem was stepped on, no pulling was involved. It shouldn’t have such poor quality.”
“I’ve no idea either.” Tessa shook her head, her face filled with doubts. This gown was brand new, so it could not have snapped in such a way.
With her brows furrowed, she went on, “But it is not the time for this now. My performance is happening very soon and I don’t have any spare gowns to change into.”
She became increasingly agitated as she spoke. After all, she didn’t have much time left. Even if she requested that Nicholas send her another gown, it would not arrive in time.
Noticing Tessa’s anxiety, Hobbs began to comfort her. “Don’t worry. I have an idea.” “What do you have in mind?’ Tessa asked, her expression helpless.
Hobbs grabbed her wrist and said in a low voice, “Follow me.” Then, he led her away from the scene. Elisa, who was on the other side, witnessed them walking away holding hands, and her eyes were filled with jealousy.
Tessa Reinhart, how dare you seduce my man?!
I will never let you off the hook! The crew members watched Tessa’s leaving figure with envy in their eyes as well.
Meanwhile, Tessa was unaware of any of this and simply followed Hobbs upstairs to a room. After they entered the room, Hobbs instructed his servant, “Bring one of the princess’ gowns here.”
“Yes, sir.” The servant nodded and walked away. However, Tessa immediately stopped her when she realized what Hobbs was about to do. “Mr. Hobbs, are you intending for me to wear the princess’ gown?” Tessa asked with a frown.
Hobbs did not deny it. “This is the only way out now. Luckily, you are about the same size as the princess.” “I don’t think this is appropriate. The princess’ gowns are all custom-made for her. I’m not supposed to wear them.”
With her eyes filled with concern, Tessa shook her head, declining Hobbs’ offer. Hobbs sensed it as well. “Don’t worry. If anything happens, I’ll shoulder it,” he murmured.
Immediately after his words, he turned his head and instructed the servant, “Go and take the gown now.”
“Yes, sir.” The servant didn’t dare to wait any longer and quickly went out. It was soon Tessa’s turn to perform in the celebration hall.
The handsome emcee on stage began his introductory speech for the performance. “Let us welcome today’s grand finale performance brought to us by Miss Sofia’s student, Miss Tessa Reinhart!”
A round of applause echoed from beneath the stage as soon as he finished speaking. According to the schedule, Tessa should be on stage right now while the audience clapped their hands.
However, she did not appear. The applause became softer and whispers could be heard among the audience. “What’s going on?”
“I’ve got no idea either. Has something happened to her?” The emcee on stage furrowed his brows as he looked intently at the stage entrance. The atmosphere in the hall became awkward as everyone stiffened.
Looking at the empty stage entrance, Sofia was tense too. She knew Tessa well enough to know that the woman would never allow such a blunder to occur unless something had happened to her.
With this in mind, Sofia couldn’t help but become worried, especially when she noticed the displeasure on Prince Abott and Princess Freya’s faces. Hence, she nervously stood up, planning to check out what was going on.
However, the moment she started moving. Tessa appeared at the stairs on the second floor.
She had already changed out of her destroyed gown for a plain, vintage-style number. Beside her stood Hobbs, who was as charming as ever.
He gently held Tessa’s arm and carefully led her down the stairs, acting exactly like her protector. Seeing that, every guest in the hall began to speculate. “Why is Hobbs together with this woman?”
“They look compatible, though.” “This is the first time I’ve seen Hobbs being so gentlemanly to a woman!”
