Elisa, in particular, was stunned. When she looked at Tessa, her eyes turned reddish with envy.
She did not expect Tessa to be so captivating after applying her makeup and putting on her gown.
The spotlight was supposed to be hers, but it was immediately snatched by Tessa.
It was probably because Tessa would be performing classical music tonight, which was why her gown was plain and simple yet elegant.
That made her appear fresh and pure in comparison to everyone else in the room, who was dressed grandly.
Furthermore, because she had recently given birth, her body was extra curvy, making her appear enticing.
On the other hand, Sofia was completely unaware of everyone else's gazes.
Satisfied with Tessa's state at this point, she nodded and said, "You are the final performer. Maintain your calm demeanor and wait patiently backstage."
"I will," Tessa said as she nodded obediently.
Meanwhile, Elisa, who was on the other side, curled the corners of her red lips.
She then looked profoundly at the straps of Tessa's gown on her shoulders.
She turned her head, signaling her assistant to come closer, and asked in a hushed tone, "Is it done?"
"Yes. I simply left a few connecting strands. The shoulder straps on Tessa's gown will snap when she performs later."
It turned out that the assistant had gone off to tamper with Tessa's gown earlier.
Elisa immediately felt her mood lift, thinking that Tessa's gown would fall off during the performance later and make her a disgrace.
She was curious as to how Tessa would clean up her mess after destroying the celebration and offending Janqash's royalties!
The more Elisa imagined it, the happier she felt. It was as if she had already witnessed Tessa being shamed. The smile on her face grew wider as well.
Tessa did not notice that. After she sent Sofia off, she sat quietly in her seat while texting Nicholas.
Later in the evening, the official celebration performance began.
The event hall was packed with royals and nobles dressed in finery and sipping fine wines.
Hobbs was here as well. He was walking around the hall in a fitted black suit.
His upright figure, good-looking appearance, and distinguished and noble identity attracted countless women who flocked to him to strike up a conversation.
However, he was not interested in these normal women at all.
On the other hand, Elisa, who was standing behind the stage, couldn't take her gaze away from Hobbs the moment she saw him.
"Hobbs is here," she mumbled to herself.
Truth was, she wanted to perform at today's event because of Hobbs. She had seen him once and he had remained in her heart ever since.
She fell in love with him the first time she saw him.
And because of his noble status, Elisa felt they were compatible.
After all, only people with a distinguished identity like Hobbs were worthy of her. His looks were a bonus.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, her mentor's voice resonated.
"Elisa, perform well later. Don't be nervous."
Elisa smiled and nodded in response. "I know. Don't worry."
Of course, I have to perform well to get Hobbs' attention!
Once I have his attention, I can look for an opportunity to talk to him later.
The performance on the stage was ongoing, but Elisa was completely focused on Hobbs.
She only gathered her thoughts when it was her time to perform.
"Now, let us welcome Miss Elisa, who will be performing 'The Sea's Prayer'!"
After the host's announcement, Elisa walked slowly onto the stage with her musical instrument in her hand. Her every move was gracious and elegant.
Thunderous applause rang out from beneath the stage.
After a bow, she started her performance, and a beautiful melody soon followed.
Elisa was undeniably talented and skilled, and her performance captivated everyone in the hall.
Almost everyone was completely engrossed in her flawless playing of the melody.
However, no one knew that she was not focusing wholeheartedly on her performance.
While performing, she was also casting casual glances at Hobbs.
Hobbs, on the other hand, paid no attention to her.
Instead, he appeared to be looking for something in the hall.
No matter how hard he looked, he couldn't seem to find the person he was looking for. With that, he eventually left with a frown on his face
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