Chapter 40 Grace's Romeo
Gavin's assistant, Owen, was caught off guard.
Realizing his mistake, Owen quickly said, "I looked it up online."
Henry gave a faint smile and let it go.
Owen sighed in relief and glanced at Elodie.
He had heard of her talent, but her limp had not been mentioned. And as for her outfit...
Elodie was buzzing with excitement. "You must be Mr. Garcia, right?"
Owen smiled. "I'm Mr. Garcia's assistant, Owen Davis."
Elodie's interest faded fast, her eyes wandering.
Celeste smirked at Elodie's boldness in front of Owen, a well-connected agent. Despite Elodie's lack of fame, she stood her ground. Celeste, enjoying the show, decided not to step in, eager to see Elodie's impending embarrassment.
Owen whispered something to Gavin, who frowned slightly. However, knowing Henry had brought her, Gavin felt he had to be polite, offering a half-hearted smile.
Elodie was thrilled as she sat next to Henry. With Gavin's potential approval, she dreamed of becoming a world-renowned violinist. In her mind, that would finally make her worthy of Henry.
Compared to Elodie's excitement, Henry's first meeting with Gavin was much more low-key. One was a big name in music, the other a business mogul, both hiding their true intentions.
After a few drinks, Gavin started to act like he was in financial trouble.
"Honestly, Mr. Montague, the music industry is tough right now! My reputation sounds great, but making a mark here is really hard. Classical music isn't appreciated, and everyone with money is investing in talent shows. Who doesn't love a bit of skin? But you're different, Mr. Montague; you have a taste!" Gavin said.
Henry's smile grew slightly. Instead of offering money, he decided to push Elodie forward. "I have someone I'd like Mr. Garcia to consider," he said, nudging Elodie into the spotlight.
Gavin seemed to notice Elodie for the first time.
He asked her to play a piece. Elodie, excited, immediately started playing.
Henry found it noisy and sipped his drink.
He suddenly thought of Grace, remembering the pieces she played at the Azure Palace Hotel. Several had impressed him. He never knew Grace played the violin so well.
Gavin also found it noisy but didn't show his feelings.
He didn't mention Elodie but changed the subject. "Classical music is really hard to promote these days! I've always dreamed of doing a world tour, bringing our classical music to the global stage. Otherwise, it's just small performances here and there."
Elodie felt humiliated. Even she could tell Gavin wasn't impressed.
But she didn't want to give up and blurted out, "Mr. Garcia, I can also perform..."
Henry cut her off. He raised his slender fingers, holding a small, antique cup, and clinked it with Gavin's, smiling. "I'm very interested in what Gavin is saying. Please, Gavin, continue."
Actually, Gavin admired Henry.
A young talent in the business world, handling things with ease.
No wonder his once-favorite student, Grace, was madly in love with Henry, giving up her dreams to marry him. But now, Henry had Elodie by his side, though she didn't catch his eye.
Gavin got serious. He said slowly, "A few years ago, I found a very talented student at the music academy. She played a piece so beautifully! I wanted to take her as a student, and she almost agreed, but in the end, she married the person she loved most."
Henry became somewhat interested.
He held the cup, gently toying with it. "And then? Did she give up on her musical dreams?"
Gavin's eyes were intense. He looked at Henry and said softly, "She didn't have a good life afterward. Her family had problems, and her husband cheated on her. I never saw her again."
Gavin, being a cultured man, was moved to tears as he spoke.
Elodie was touched. "How pitiful!"
Gavin put away his sadness, clinked glasses with Henry, and his tone lightened up. "But I'll find her. It's never too late to make music."
Henry smiled reservedly. "Gavin's dedication to classical music is truly touching."
With a glance from Henry, Celeste immediately presented a $3 million check, speaking skillfully, "This is a small token of support from Mr. Montague for classical music. Please accept it, Mr. Garcia. If you need anything in the future, Mr. Montague will be happy to help."
Gavin responded politely, "It's our first meeting, Mr. Montague, you're too kind!"
Henry stood up to leave. "I apologize for the intrusion!"
In the end, Gavin's assistant, Owen, accepted the check and saw Henry and his group out.
When Owen returned, Gavin was still drinking.
Owen smiled. "Where did Mr. Montague find such a gem? She's far inferior to Grace. From technique to emotion, she can't compare to Grace at all, and she's not even good-looking!"
Gavin said slowly, "Her playing was terrible!"
Owen hesitated and asked, "So, you're not taking Elodie in?"
Gavin sighed softly, emphasizing the practicality of their profession. "Regardless of our high-minded ideals, we must address financial realities. It's hard to turn down support for classical music. We can find a place for Elodie in the orchestra. Teaching Grace is key to securing my reputation."
Owen felt like laughing. He picked up the check and flicked it lightly. "Then shall I arrange a meeting with Grace for Mr. Garcia? How about Brew Blossom Cafe at Tranquil Tide Cove? I remember Grace loves the desserts there."
Gavin glanced at him and smiled. "You remember quite well!"
Meanwhile, Henry and his group left.
Elodie still didn't understand. "Mr. Garcia won't take me in, so why did Mr. Montague give him money? It's too much!"
Celeste thought to herself: What do you know!
A big shot like Gavin wouldn't lower himself to accept someone of your caliber on the first meeting. That $3 million was a test, a show of Henry's sincerity.
Celeste thought this but was very patient with Elodie in front of Henry, speaking gently, "Mr. Garcia is very cautious. He doesn't just take any student, Ms. Williams. Be patient. There's nothing Mr. Montague can't handle."
Elodie hesitated and asked softly, "Was my playing really that bad?"
Celeste didn't respond; she just adjusted her suit.
Henry usually didn't pay much attention to her.
At that moment, the driver brought the car around. After Henry got in, Elodie tried to follow, but the driver gently blocked the door. "Ms. Williams, I'm sorry, but Mr. Montague has a private engagement. Please wait for the company car with Celeste."
The driver closed the door and drove off!
Elodie was so anxious she wanted to cry.
She had a mission today. She had worn a beautiful dress, hoping not only to meet Gavin but also to have dinner with Henry and maybe, even find an opportunity for something more intimate.
But Henry had left her behind!
Celeste gloated and said, "Ms. Williams, I told you before, don't have unrealistic expectations."
Just then, a black limousine pulled up.
Elodie thought Henry had come back and was overjoyed, ready to rush over.
But the next second, she froze.
The window of the luxury car slowly rolled down, revealing not Henry but his mother, Aurora.
Aurora looked at Elodie sternly.
She didn't say a word, but her disdainful gaze made Elodie shiver.
Celeste also stiffened slightly and bowed her head. "Mrs. Montague!"
Aurora ignored Celeste, focusing only on Elodie. Her gaze was like a venomous snake, making Elodie tremble with fear.
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