Just then, Laverne''s voice came from downstairs. "Vanessa, are you almost ready? We should be leaving."


    Laverne came upstairs to find Vanessa sitting on the sofa with her arms crossed, her face dark and sullen. She quickly asked in a hushed tone, "Vanessa, what''s wrong?"


    "My performance was canceled," Vanessa said, biting her lip.


    "What?" Laverne eximed in surprise. "Why?"


    "Serena reported me under her real name. She''s trying to stop me from performing ever again," Vanessa said, her fists clenched in anger.


    "Then you need to contact Mr. Goodwin! Your entire livelihood depends on ying the piano. You can''t let Mr. Goodwin''s sister smash your career to pieces!" Laverne said anxiously.


    Vanessa''s eyes shed with a cold light. "Contactn? He only has eyes for that bitch Eleanor now!"


    "Then what do we do? We can''t just let Serena bully us like this!" Laverne was frantic too. She was counting on Vanessa to make a fortune.


    Vanessa clenched her fists again. Who else could she ask for help? In the past, she would have immediately thought of Henry Holt, and Henry would have helped her without a second thought. But now, Henry only had eyes for Selma Quigley and was nothing but cruel to her.


    Laverne was also racking her brain for a solution, and sure enough, she thought of Henry too. She sat down beside Vanessa and urged, "Vanessa, why don''t you call Mr. Holt? Ask him to step in and ask Serena to back off."


    Vanessa bit her lip. She recalled how gentle and protective Henry had once been with her. She couldn''t believe he had turned sopletely cold overnight. Would he help her onest time?


    "Pick out a beautiful dress for me. I have to go beg him in person," Vanessa said through clenched teeth. Only by seeing Henry face-to-face could she hope to rekindle any lingering affection he might have for her.


    "Okay, let''s get you a dress and some gorgeous makeup," Laverne said, making a beeline for the closet. "Given how Mr. Holt always felt about you, hee through for sure."


    Vanessa carefully selected a champagne colored slip dress and applied a soft, elegant makeup look with a slight reddish tint at the corners of her eyes to make her appear more vulnerable ando charming.


    Laverne immediately arranged for a car to take her to The Holt Group.


    Arriving at The Holt Group building, Vanessa took a deep breath and dialed Henry''s number.


    Since she was using a new number, Henry''s voice on the other end was questioning. "Who is this?"


    "Henry, it''s me!" Vanessa said in a gentle voice. "I''m downstairs at yourpany. Can we meet?"


    "I''m busy," came Henry''s cold refusal.


    "Just for five minutes, I''m begging you," Vanessa''s voice cracked with a sob. "For old times'' sake_"


    The line was silent for a moment. "Come up to my office."


    Vanessa''s face lit up. "Okay, I''m on my way up." After hanging up, a triumphant smile touched her lips. Laverne, beside her, was thrilled. Hott agreed to see you?


    Vanessa took out herpact mirror to check her makeup, then smiled confidently.


    "I knew he couldn''t bepletely heartless toward me."


    Laverne rubbed her hands together excitedly. "Vanessa, you have to seize this


    opportunity. Beg him to help you this one time. You can''t let Serena ruin your career!"


    Vanessa adjusted her cor, revealing her ample cleavage, and walked confidently toward the lobby of The Holt Group.