Chapter 143 Sebastian Playing the Victim
"""Sebastian's face grew darker as he read the report. This wasn't just a child swap; it was premeditated murder.
They probably planned Connie's car accident to kill both her and her child, then pass Isabella off as Connie's daughter to the Vale family. They didn't expect Joyce to survive, so someone abandoned her, and Angie found her.
Sebastian ordered, """"Find Angie. She might know something from back then.""""
Dominic nodded. """"I'll arrange it right away.""""
""""Has the culprit confessed?""""
""""Yeah, he's a big fan of that celebrity. Someone in their fan group stirred things up and posted Ms. Blackwood's address. It looks like just a fan causing trouble.""""
Sebastian's eyes narrowed. """"Investigate every fan. This isn't simple. His goal was to destroy Joyce's birthmark, so someone knew her identity before we did.""""
During her lunch break, Joyce created a new account and joined Trevor's fan group. They were discussing her attack, acting like it wasn't illegal. They even talked about rescuing the culprit. Joyce noticed a familiar profile picture—a man's hand with a faint bite mark on the thumb. She recognized it as her bite mark from when she bit Sebastian's hand during treatment.
Joyce guessed who it was and, posing as a fan, cursed herself in the group, saying she wanted to avenge Trevor. Soon, a fan named Kitty told her Joyce was in room 1108 at Serene Vista Hospital, describing her clothes and shoes in detail. Joyce realized Kitty was Isabella.
A cold glint flashed in Joyce's eyes. Isabella had tried to ruin her multiple times to get Sebastian. This time, Isabella wanted to destroy her face and even take her life.
Joyce's fingers turned pale as she gripped her phone, her eyes filled with hatred. Just then, a message from Sebastian came through. It was a picture of his treated wound with a message:
[Joyce, don't worry. The wound is much better. It doesn't hurt at all. Focus on your work.]
Joyce knew the anesthesia had worn off and he was in pain. His words carried a hint of grievance. She smiled lightly and replied with one word: [Okay]
Sebastian was lying in bed, chatting with Alexander. When his phone beeped, he quickly checked it. Seeing Joyce's emotionless """"Okay,"""" he felt downcast.
Alexander smirked. """"Keep pretending. Do you even know what Joyce does for a living? You can't outsmart a lawyer!""""
Sebastian, annoyed, clutched his wound and glared at Alexander. """"Shut up! Will it kill you to be quiet?""""
""""No, but watching you fail is fun.""""
Just then, Isabella walked in with a smile and handed an invitation to Sebastian and Alexander. """"Sebastian, Alexander, my recital is next Saturday. You must come and support me.""""
Sebastian didn't even look at her or the invitation. """"No time,"""" he said coldly, closing his eyes to rest.
Isabella's eyes reddened, looking pitifully at him.
Alexander tried to lighten the mood with a smile. """"Isabella, you're amazing, having your own recital. I'll definitely go. Don't count on this jerk. He's busy chasing Joyce and has no time for our matters.""""
Isabella was speechless, thinking, 'Is Sebastian trying to reconcile with Joyce?' Her hands clenched into fists.
A week later, Isabella's piano recital was held at the most luxurious concert hall in City B. She had spent a fortune to invite many renowned musicians from home and abroad, all drawn by Connie's legacy.
Over twenty years ago, Connie was a superstar in the piano world. Her debut was the pinnacle of most people's piano careers. Connie's skills remained unmatched, but she died in a car accident at 28, a huge loss for the piano world. If she were alive, she would have been at the top of the global piano scene.
The musicians wanted to see if Connie's daughter would surprise them. Isabella's marketing was top-notch. She used Connie's name to invite many famous people and spread stories about her and Sebastian. Soon, posts about Isabella losing her right to be a mother for love went viral, garnering sympathy. Meanwhile, people started badmouthing Joyce.
Isabella looked at the trending posts online, a smug smile on her lips. She thought, 'Joyce, you don't deserve to compete with me for a man!'
Unsurprisingly, Isabella's recital was a huge success. Her piano skills were praised, with some saying she played even better than her mother. She was awarded the title of """"Genius Girl"""" by the Piano Association.
Dressed in a pure white gown, she stood at the center of the stage, like a celestial being, accepting interviews from various media outlets.
""""Ms. Vale, I know reaching this level in piano requires dedication. Will you be just as dedicated in your love life?""""
Isabella's eyes reddened, a bitter smile on her lips. """"Thank you all for your concern. No matter how tough things get, I will keep striving. I just want the one I love to know that I will always be here, waiting for him to turn back.""""
She spoke with genuine emotion, moving everyone present.
Just then, a rain of photos suddenly fell from the sky. As people saw the content, they couldn't help but gasp."""
