The needle stabbed into my fingertip. A bead of blood welled up.
So that's how it was.
I looked at the drop of blood and smiled.
"Good to know."
"Chloe, help me with my makeup. Tonight, I'm attending a funeral."
The evening charity banquet was held at a five-star hotel.
Crystal chandeliers blazed overhead; a champagne tower rose in the center.
I appeared in the hall wearing that mended red gown, and the room went quiet.
The style was outdated. The stitches at the hem were crooked.
"Is that Alex Henson? Oh my God, she looks so much older."
"I heard she's been missing for years—why would she show up dressed like that? Looks like street-stall junk."
"What's with her hands? Why does she keep them tucked in her sleeves?"
The whispers drifted over.
I straightened my back and walked toward the corner.
Marcus stood surrounded by guests, sharp in a black suit. Sophia clung to his arm, smiling.
When he saw me, his gaze darkened, but he didn't lash out.
Sophia released him and walked over.
"Alex, you made it. Sit down—the performance is about to start." She lowered her voice and leaned close to my ear. "Look around. Everyone here thinks I'm Mrs. Abbott. And what are you? A stray dog with nowhere to go. You really think you can fight me?"
I glanced at her makeup. "How's your piano practice going? Try not to butcher your scales."
Her expression stiffened, then twisted into a sneer. "Don't worry about me. You'll see soon enough."
The emcee took the stage. "Next, please welcome the renowned pianist Ms. Sophia Pruitt, performing Liszt's 'La Campanella'!"
Applause rose.
Sophia lifted her skirt hem, climbed the stage, bowed, and sat down.
The music began.
At first it was smooth enough, but when she hit the midsection with its big leaps, she started struggling. Notes scattered. The rhythm dragged.
Someone in the audience frowned.
Sophia suddenly stopped, stood up, and took the microphone.
"Sorry, everyone. This piece is too difficult, and my hand is a little uncomfortable today." She paused. "But as it happens, my sister—the former genius pianist Alex Henson—is also here. I'd like to invite her up to help me finish the second half. What do you all say?"
The spotlight hit me.
I narrowed my eyes at the stage.
She did it on purpose. She was the only person in Rongcheng who knew my hand was ruined.
"Alex Henson? Didn't she retire?"
"Let her play! Let's see if the genius is still there!"