M''s hesitation and worry didn''t go unnoticed by Jade.


    Though it had been several years since theyst saw each other, and she wasn''t aware of the current details, this was the first time Jade saw such uncertainty and hesitation in M. Gone was the spirited and bold M of yesteryears, the one who charged ahead with confidence.


    What had the Montgomery family done to her dear M?


    This was not the M she remembered-vibrant, daring, and full of life.


    Jade felt a pang in her heart but managed a smile. "What happened to the fearless artistic genius I once knew? Afraid to seize an opportunity right in front of you? Are you doubting yourself, or are you doubting your Aunt''s judgment?"


    "Don''t forget, M, you''ve had seven years to grow."


    Jade''s eyes met those of her slightly anxious grandniece with a steady gaze. "And remember, you''re no longer alone. You have me, your Aunt, backing you up. What are you afraid of?"


    Her Aunt''s words were firm and resonated deeply with M.


    A lump formed in her throat, and for the first time in days, her unsettled heart found peace.


    Yes, she was no longer alone.


    What was there to fear?


    M swallowed the lump in her throat, took a deep breath, and smiled. "Alright, Aunt. In a few days, I''ll wrap up my resignation process, and then I''ll head over to


    Splendid to join you."


    Jade''s smile deepened.


    "Let''s get moving then."


    Jade wasn''t one for procrastination. She promptly suggested, "Tomorrow evening, there''s a musical g I''ve been invited to. Many influential figures from the arts and high society will be there. Come with me and get acquainted."


    "Sounds good."


    ...


    With the g rapidly approaching, there wasn''t time to prepare a new gown.


    However, with Jade''s standing as the creator of a high-luxury brand, dressing for such an asion was about elegance and sophistication, prioritizing convenience and style.


    Apanying Jade, M didn''t need to worry about these details.


    But Jade didn''t let her off easy. She picked a unique, yet understated ck strapless gown from Splendid''s uing high fashion collection, not yet seen on the international stage. The dress wasplemented with a sheer, starry shawl draped elegantly over M''s arm.


    With their outfits perfected, they headed to the g in a private car.


    The g was a grand affair, a coborative event between the art and high society circles: a pre-spring musical g drawing many renowned artists and collectors.


    The venue was impressive and opulent.


    This was the high society''s year-end celebration, an annual event reserved for those with the social standing to attend.


    The Montgomery family''s credentials were more than sufficient, but M had never attended before.


    Since marrying into the Montgomery family, her husband, Lysander, had been reluctant to publicly acknowledge her as his wife, seldom including her in any social gatherings. On rare asions when they attended events together, her role was minimized to that of an unacknowledgedpanion.


    This was her first time attending such a g.


    ...


    The seating was arranged ording to social hierarchy.


    Lesser families sat on the ground floor, while those of higher status upied the balcony boxes, offering amanding view of the main stage below.


    M followed her Aunt up to the balcony level.


    Halfway up the stairs, as they turned a corner, both paused. Lysander was at the top, engaged in conversation with Ryan, his back to them.


    Ryan noticed M first, his eyes briefly flickering with admiration before settling into a familiar disdain. However, after the recent thrashing he received from his brother, he refrained from his usual provocations.


    Noticing Ryan''s change in expression, Lysander turned, surprised to see M on the stairs.


    He hadn''t expected to see her in such a setting.