rue potential. He had likely figured out its future value but chose to let Frederick have it

the topic with a casual tone. Barlor's brow furrowed as he considered her words. He realized he was probably readi

way to mingle with other guests. As they walked off, Viole briefly glanced back at Linda, he

of a tragic figure-abandoned by her husband for another woman, left to fend for herself in a room full of strangers. But Linda wasn't here to wallow

ded on a grand piano in the corner. A thought struck her, and a smile

the daughter of the Autumn family, skills she had neglected in her past life, would now serve her well. She hadn't pl

ho was playing. When Linda finished the piece, applause

xed on Linda. Viole noticed his distraction and, in an attempt to downplay Linda's accompli

issive, but Linda knew better. In this crowd, such a level of proficiency was not uncommon, but the reaction from the audien

tty face with a wealthy background-she had substance and talent. The

woman who had just captivated the room. Linda knew that befriending these influential ladies wou

Vardy leaned casually against the railing, a smirk playing on his

m, nodded in agreement.

nce when did you, of all people, d

ot know much about music,

sic itself; it was the woman pla

ed a corner, a strong hand grabbed her and pulled her into a secluded alcove. Startl

lt the warmth of his chest against her back and adjusted her bre

releasing her. "Did

ly to see Fern rubbing his hand with a pained

ncern. "Sneaking in. I d

ing in? Are you serio

can I say? I like to

Right. Mr. Lane's grands

ut he quickly masked it with a playful grin. "You

om her past life-that Fern would eventually inherit everyth

here, Fern?" she ask

this," he said, handing it to her. Linda's eyes widened when

muttered. "You snuck in

ain. "It's impor

absurdity of the situation. "And you

place anyone would look for

he contract and handing it back

ression turned serious. "Can I as

an eyebrow.

illion dollars on that l

aze evenly. "I

his curiosity piqued. "Wh

reveal her plans just yet. "What if I told you that land wo

ed, skepti

n you'll just have

ened. "What are y

replied cryptically before slip

rdy noticed the thoughtful look on hi

n't elaborate. "Yea

ut w

ny upscale estates planned

I've heard of. That area's a dum

wed in confusion.

Yeah. It's practi

ecisions. If she had invested ten billion dollars, she m