Serena''s eyes brightened slightly.


    Ruth gave the driver an address, and they made their way to the studio.


    Ruth''s studio in Javerton City was brand new, with every instrument imaginable. There were also spacious practice rooms and recording studios.


    The warm orange lightbined with the wooden floors made the space feel inviting and peaceful.


    As they walked toward Ruth''s office, several people greeted her respectfully. Ruth responded


    calmly to each one.


    Serena couldn''t help but admire how far Ruth hade. The once passionate young girl, obsessed with music, now seemed fully capable of handling everything on her own.


    Once inside the room, Serena''s gaze immediately fell on the violin.


    Ruth smiled lightly. "Not many people are worthy of this violin."


    As she spoke, she handed the violin to Serena.


    "It''s been tuned to your usual preferences. Want to give it a try?" Ruth said.


    Serena''s fingers lightly traced the side of the violin as she gave Ruth a meaningful nce. "You''ve already tuned it? You''ve been nning to get me involved all along, haven''t you?


    Ruth chuckled, scratching her head. Watching Serena gently caress the expensive violin, Ruth noticed the glimmer in her eyes.


    She sighed softly. "You still love music, don''t you?"


    But for some reason, she walked away from it.


    Serena''s fingers paused for a moment, and with a wry smile, she rested the violin under her chin. "There are still things I need to finish."


    There was still the matter of everything her mother had given to the Jansen Group. She hadn''t


    reimed


    1. ot.


    Ruth watched her for a long while, listening as Serena''s fingers moved across the strings, turning the unfamiliar, clumsy notes into a smooth, flowing melody full of emotion.


    Ruth then asked, "How about joining my orchestra for regr performances? You can wear a mask, and no one will recognize you. It won''t interfere with your othermitments."


    The words cut through the music Serena was ying. She slowly opened her eyes, around the luxurious studio, and then pressed her lips together.


    looking


    "Your orchestra has gained quite a reputation. I wouldn''t be right for an amateur like me to join Serena replied.


    "You still love it, don''t you? When you y the violin, your eyes give it all away."


    Ruth suddenly lowered her head to meet her gaze, looking directly into her eyes. "I can handle all the logistics for you, it just depends on whether you want to do it or not!"


    The two of them stood there, staring at each other for a long time.


    Serena''s hand trembled slightly as she held the violin, then, as if making up her mind, she spoke firmly, "Alright. I''ll join."


    "Well, that''s settled then!" Ruth said, her face lighting up with a smile.


    But when she noticed Serena''s simple outfit, her expression darkened. "Everyone in our orchestra dresses to impress when they go out. You''re just wearing a in coat?"


    Serena fell silent for a moment. She was just meeting an old friend, not attending a fancy dinner, so she didn''t think it was necessary to dress up.


    As she wondered, Ruth opened the practice room''s monitor, where the women inside were dressed in a variety of bold, mboyant styles.


    "This is more like what fits our orchestra''s standard. I''m going to make sure you look perfect today."


    "No need. I''m going to a dinner partyter..." Serena started, thinking others would help her with her makeup.


    But Ruth narrowed her eyes, pressing her hand on Serena''s shoulder. "If you''re going to a dinner party, then you need to look your best!"


    Three hourster, Hugh arrived at the address Serena had sent him. He didn''t recall Serena having any business on this long street.


    Frowning, he stepped out of the car.


    "Mr. Larson." Serena''s voice came from a nearby alley.


    He turned toward the sound and saw her. Her usually loose, soft hair was now tied up high, revealing hotelicate, oval-shaped face. Her bright, captivating eyes only needed a slight touch of makeup to draw attention.


    The dappled sunlight from the trees reflected on her face, highlighting the faint smile at the corner of her lips.


    Even pedestrians nearby whispered, wondering if she was some kind of celebrity.


    Through the crowd, Hugh watched Serena walk toward him from a distance. His heart skipped several beats.