Chapter 420
Chapter 420:
Yelena’s lips twitched, her demeanor thawing slightly. “Alright,” she said after a pause.
Hugh’s relief was subtle but palpable.
He had prepared a slew of arguments to convince her, but he hadn’t expected her to yield so easily. That they were now unnecessary was an unexpected bonus.
“Is there still time to get a violin ready?” Yelena asked.
Hugh nodded, his tone more relaxed. “Yes, the music hall has some. They might not be as comfortable as your personal instrument, but they’ll suffice p>
“Fine,” Yelena said, her tone as steady as before.
Yelena answered Hugh’s question with words that barely registered, her focus locked entirely on Austin.
Hugh observed her closely, the unspoken thoughts behind her actions unmistakable.
He couldn’t help but feel perplexed. Yelena—sharp, disciplined, unshakable—seemed unexpectedly spellbound. How could someone so astute fall so deeply under the sway of a single man just like that?
Austin’s presence was magnetic, a natural charisma woven into every syllable he spoke. Yelena hadn’t anticipated how effortlessly he commanded the room, his voice a perfect blend of authority and warmth.
He began with an electrifying opening that gripped the audience, each word falling into place like pieces of a meticulously crafted puzzle. His speech flowed seamlessly, logical yet profound, guiding everyone along a path they didn’t want to leave.
But it wasn’t just his words; it was the way he reached into the hearts of his listeners, stirring emotions they hadn’t realized were there.
His confidence radiated like a beacon, a quiet assurance that drew Yelena—and everyone else in the room—irresistibly closer. When Austin finished his speech, the room was wrapped in a stunned silence, the weight of his words lingering like an echo. Then, as if on cue, a wave of thunderous applause erupted, the crowd rising to their feet in awe of his brilliance. Austin acknowledged the ovation with a modest bow.
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲:
As he descended the stage, scanning the room for Yelena, his path was abruptly blocked by John.
Austin’s expression darkened, his tone sharp. “What do you want, John p>
John leaned in slightly, a crooked smile playing on his lips. “You know, bro,” he said, drawing out his words. “I just realized something—you were showing off up there, weren’t you?” It wasn’t far from the truth. Austin had poured everything he had into that speech, and John had picked up on it.
But there was more to John’s smirk than playful teasing—an undercurrent of amusement, almost as if he’d stumbled onto a secret.
Austin’s gaze turned icy. “Move,” he said curtly, the authority in his voice unmistakable.
John chuckled, stepping aside, his grin widening.
Touchy! Who would have thought Austin would be the shy type?
Austin didn’t respond, heading for the exit. But just as he reached the door of the backstage, he stopped in his tracks. There she was—Yelena, standing before him.
Their eyes met, the energy between them thick and electric. “Yelena, why are you here in the backstage p>
Yelena offered a small smile. “I’m performing later,” she said, her tone calm and steady as always.
Performing?
That could only mean that Hugh had cancelled Monica at the last minute.
The memory of her previous performance came rushing back—how she’d stunned the audience at Monica’s concert, leaving him captivated and yearning to hear more. This time, there would be no distractions, no comparisons. Just Yelena. The last time she had taken the stage, she performed Paganini’s 24th Caprice in A Minor, a masterpiece of violin virtuosity.
This caprice, also known as “Theme and Variations,” was famous for its technical brilliance and emotional depth that demanded the full attention of everyone in the room.