CHAPTER 143: CHAPTER 143: THE PERFECT FALL GUY (1)

Carrying her violin, Seraphina hurriedly returned backstage.

She sat down at the dressing table and placed the violin on the desk.

She raised her palm, which was already damp with a thin layer of sweat.

Facing a figure like Arthur Sterling, she could at best feign surface calm; it was impossible not to be nervous.

Because she had spent quite a bit of time in the VIP room, most of the other members of the orchestra had already packed up.

"Seraphina?" Seeing Seraphina return, Claire Clayton smiled and turned her face, "Where’s our President Sterling, why didn’t he come back with you?"

Just as Seraphina was about to explain, Claire playfully nudged her arm.

"Speak of the devil!"

Following her gaze, Seraphina indeed saw Ethan Sterling entering the lounge, walking toward her.

"Then we won’t play the third wheel!" Claire winked at Seraphina, "We’ll head out first."

Greeting the approaching Ethan, Claire and the other musicians, carrying their instruments, walked out of the lounge.

Ethan waved to everyone and walked up to Seraphina, "Are you tired?"

Seraphina shook her head gently, "Why aren’t you resting at home?"

"Isn’t picking up my wife a husband’s duty?"

Ethan winked at her and took the initiative to help her pack the violin on the table.

Seraphina opened her mouth, wanting to explain to him about Mr. Sterling, but hesitated.

If Ethan knew his father had contacted her, he would undoubtedly feel bad again.

These days, Ethan had been busy because of the Thorne Family’s matters.

Last night, after meeting with his father, he had just gotten drunk, and Seraphina couldn’t bear to make him upset again.

After removing her makeup and changing out of her performance attire, the two of them left the lounge together with their belongings and got into Ethan’s car.

No one noticed a pair of eyes watching them from the rear seat of a black car on the other side of the road.

As they drove away, Henry Sterling, sitting in the back seat, withdrew his gaze with a slight frown.

"He truly seems invested in this Seraphina."

"Indeed..." the assistant driving gave an ambiguous smile, "But truth be told, among the girls in the elite circles of Varden, Seraphina is definitely a top-notch beauty."

Henry’s expression remained calm, "Just a fallen phoenix—only a pretty face."

"Honestly, I can’t figure it out." The assistant’s smile faded, "What is your father thinking? You’ve worked hard and diligently at Sterling for so many years, perfect to be his successor."

"Hmph!" Henry snorted coldly, "He favors Ethan just because he’s the offspring of that vixen, isn’t he?"

"Then..." The assistant turned his head, "What’s our next move?"

"Simple!" Henry leaned back in his seat, eyes dark with resolve, "Our Sterling Family only has one son, and can only have one!"

"But..." The assistant looked a bit worried, "If we act now, won’t Mr. Sterling become suspicious?"

Henry sneered, "And what do you think I left Adrian Chamberlain for?"

The assistant was momentarily stunned, quickly understanding his implication.

"Young Master Sterling, you’re indeed wise."

Adrian Chamberlain and Ethan Sterling were arch-rivals.

Should anything happen to Ethan, Adrian Chamberlain would be the perfect scapegoat.

...

...

Three days later.

Solara Concert Hall.

When Seraphina, dressed in a light cyan cheongsam with her long hair elegantly pinned up, walked onto the stage with her violin, a thunderous applause immediately erupted from the audience.

In the previous competition at The Golden Hall, her outstanding performance had already won over violin enthusiasts worldwide.

This time, finally being able to hear her play live, the audience was very excited.

Sitting in the front row, Ethan Sterling raised an eyebrow in surprise.

It was the first time he had seen Seraphina in a cheongsam, the silk outlining her slender, graceful figure.

The subtle cyan color illuminated her skin, making it as luminous as porcelain.

Even Ethan, so familiar with her to his core, found himself involuntarily moved.

As she reached the center of the stage, Seraphina held the violin in one hand, placed her other hand on her chest, and bowed to the audience.

Then, she lifted the violin to her shoulder with her left hand and began to play alongside the on-site orchestra.

With her superb technique, outstanding talent, and captivating oriental appearance, Seraphina was undoubtedly the star of the evening.

With the dual charm of her music and character, she successfully captivated the entire audience.

The applause at the evening performance was unprecedentedly enthusiastic.

Initially, Seraphina prepared only one encore performance.

Unexpectedly, the audience’s reaction was so intense that even after one encore, they were reluctant to leave.

Helplessly, she performed a second encore, spontaneously playing a piece with an oriental style, instantly winning the audience’s acclaim.

"Thank you all. I hope we have the opportunity to meet again."

After bowing and expressing her gratitude, Seraphina returned backstage once more.

"Seraphina!" Professor David, the vice-chair of the competition committee waiting backstage, immediately strode over, "Congratulations, Seraphina. Tonight’s performance was truly spectacular. I believe by tomorrow morning, you will be the talk of newspapers and online forums."

"You’re too kind." Seraphina gave a slight smile, without any overly proud expression.

"Speaking of which..." David grinned, "Have you given any more thought to what I mentioned to you before?"

After winning the competition, David had already approached Seraphina about inviting her to sign with the Paganini Symphony Orchestra and develop her career in Elysia.

Compared to back home, Europe provided a more promising market for symphony orchestras.

Developing her career there would mean more performance opportunities, broader exposure, and the chance for Seraphina to further her studies in institutions.

For Seraphina at present, it was indeed a rare opportunity.

"I truly appreciate your recognition, but given my current situation, it’s just not feasible. I really apologize."

Her father had not yet been discharged from the hospital, her brother’s case remained unresolved, and with Ethan also back home, Seraphina couldn’t just leave them all behind for herself.

David, being Chloe Foster’s mentor, had heard a bit about Seraphina’s circumstances.

"I know your father is still ill and in need of care." David pondered, "How about this: take more time to consider. If you earnestly decide to pursue opportunities here, I can help arrange for your father to be transferred here for treatment. What do you think?"

Seraphina looked helpless, "Professor David, I really..."

"Please promise me!" David clasped his hands together, "Don’t say no immediately—take your time to think it over."

Not wanting to miss out on such a remarkable musical talent, David made his adamant plea.

With his words reaching this extent, Seraphina couldn’t refuse him harshly and adopted a more tactful approach.

"Alright, I’ll think about it some more."

"Good, I’ll await your decision. Please consider it carefully."

After cautiously instructing her, David turned and left.

Seraphina shook her head and turned around with her violin.

She immediately noticed Ethan Sterling, standing a short distance down the corridor, holding a bouquet of champagne roses and leaning against a classical, carved pillar.