“The cheongsam has such fine embroidery! It’s such a timeless and alluring piece—how beautiful!”
“Exactly! But it can only be pulled off by someone who looks as good as she does.”
“Comparisons are often painful. Rebecca, how do you maintain that gorgeous figure of yours?”
“Her skin is like a baby’s! I’m so jealous!”
“Rebecca, you’re definitely the most fashionable socialite among us all tonight.”
While Rebecca was ecstatic with the praises, she kept herself from grinning too widely and gave them a polite smile instead. “Thank you for the kind words, everyone, but all of you look beautiful as well,” she said modestly.
“If I’m not mistaken, you will be performing on stage tonight, yes?”
Truth was Esme had gone around telling others about Rebecca’s upcoming performance at the banquet, and it wasn’t as though these guests were unfamiliar with the Davis Family; most of them were well aware that the girl was going to be playing the piano on stage tonight.
Nonetheless, Rebecca nodded. “That’s right, but I hope you won’t make fun of me if the performance is not good enough.”
Everyone burst into polite laughter, gathering around her as they made friendly conversation.
In other words, they were simply making small talk—praises meant nothing in the commercial world.
“Rebecca, you’re far too modest.”
“Exactly. I’m sure your talent speaks for itself, otherwise Young Master Mason wouldn’t have agreed to your performance tonight.”
“That’s right. I look forward to hearing you play!”
“I hear that Mr. Hilbert has hand-picked your cousin Emily to go to Yobirl; I’m sure you play the piano perfectly, too.”
omeone chortled and quipped, “If that’s the case, that means we have our very own Chopin here in Markovia, as well!”
As she listened to the chatter that went on around her, Rebecca couldn’t help but feel gutted at the mention of Emily being hand-picked to go to Yobirl.
After all, she was the only person who knew that Emily was once rejected by Mr. Hilbert as well.
However, the thought of being able to showcase her prowess and charm in front of Mason at the banquet later was more than enough to cheer her up again. Any feeling of resentment that she felt immediately dissipated, replaced by excitement and a slight giddiness.
Presently, Esme was standing among the ladies, gloating happily at the fervent discussion that surrounded her daughter. “You don’t know how much work my darling Rebecca has put in while practicing the piano—it goes without saying that the performance tonight will be spectacular!”
Upon hearing this, everyone was impressed and turned to look at Rebecca with newfound admiration.
Rebecca, on the other hand, bowed her head and flushed at all the compliments that were showered upon her.
Meanwhile, Mason and Janet had arrived at the scene of the banquet and a fleet of luxury cars lined up outside of the Palace Hotel.
The chauffeur got down and came around to their door, opening it before bowing. “Young Master Lowry, if you please!” he murmured with respect.
Hearing that, Mason unfolded himself slowly from the backseat of the car and stepped out onto the pavement. Janet followed suit and fell into step behind him.
Her right hand took hold of his strong arm and the both of them leisurely entered the lobby of the opulent establishment.
Dozens of bodyguards dressed in crisp black suits trailed after them, creating an imposing entourage.
The moment the doors to the banquet hall swung open, those who were waiting inside descended into a frenzy.
Their gazes fell upon the couple who entered and they watched in awe as the man’s every movement seemed to catch the lighting in the hall.
There was an audible intake of breath from the crowd when they realized that the man was Mason.
The socialites and all the other upper-class ladies stared at him with wide eyes.
“My goodness! Doesn’t Mr. Lowry look handsome in his suit?”
However, when they noticed that there was a woman standing next to him, they stiffened.
“But why is there a woman standing next to Mr. Lowry?”
“Is that the girl who was spotted with him the other day? J’Adore?”
“Yes; that’s the mask that J’Adore was seen wearing in the photo!”
However, they were standing too far away to make out the details; all they could see were the vague outlines of the figures.
Mason, on the other hand, held Janet’s hand and leaned toward her. His voice was low as he spoke next to her ear. “Let’s go backstage. Grandma’s waiting for us.”
