Chapter 3
Zara immediately frowned when she saw Julian and Susan, deep disgust showing in her eyes. She said coldly, “The violin is not for sale.”
Susan raised her eyebrows slightly, and her gaze instantly shifted to Estelle, who was standing beside Zara.
While Susan was delicate and demure, Estelle had a graceful and confident presence. Her oval face framed striking features, and her warm eyes held a quiet charm. She had the timeless beauty and elegance of a muse brought to life from a classical painting.
The moment Susan saw Estelle, there was a subtle glint in her eyes.
She quickly walked up to Estelle and looked at her with a pleading expression. “Ms. Summer, does Summer Starlight belong to your friend? Could you ask her to lend it to me for a while?
“Jules and I met because of the violin. I was practicing in the back garden when Jules was drawn to my music. He later found me, and that’s how we got together. He loves listening to me play.”
Susan continued, “Ms. Summer, I don’t know how much time I have left or if I’ll even be able to hold my concert. But no matter what, I want to try one last time.”
She lowered her head and, whether intentionally or not, revealed a familiar necklace. The overhead lights reflected off the necklace, making it shine brilliantly.
Estelle immediately felt a burning sensation in her eyes. She replied indifferently, “People die every day in this world. Am I supposed to accommodate and give in just because someone with a terminal illness shows up in front of me?”
Susan’s eyes reddened instantly as if she had never heard such harsh words before. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to fall.
Julian’s expression darkened, and he said, “Estelle, it’s just a violin. Why must you be so unreasonable? If you want one, I’ll just get you another.”
Estelle looked at him. “That’s true. It’s just a violin. So, if she wants one, you can buy her another violin. Why must it be mine?”
Susan pleaded from the side, “Ms. Summer, what will it take for you to lend me this violin? You can name any condition.”
Estelle could name any condition? In the end, wouldn’t Julian be the one paying for it?
Estelle curved her lips into a quiet, mirthless smile. She said, “Ms. Lynch, you seem to have a fondness for my mother’s belongings. First, her necklace, and now, her violin.”
Susan muttered in confusion, “I don’t understand what you mean, Ms. Summer.”
Estelle watched Susan feign ignorance and sneered inwardly. She said, “Summer Starlight was my mother’s gift to me. And that necklace around your neck? She left that to me too.”
Susan’s face suddenly turned pale. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t know this belonged to your mother. Last night, Tobias handed me a gift box with the necklace inside. I thought it was a gift from Jules, so I put it on. I didn’t expect it to be your mother’s…”
Estelle chuckled softly and said, “Well, now that you know, can you return it to me?”
Susan touched the necklace at her throat, biting her lip lightly as she looked at Julian with tears in her eyes. She muttered, “Jules, since Ms. Summer has asked… Why don’t we let her have the necklace? There’s no need to upset her over something so trivial. It’s not worth it.”
Susan had intentionally used the word “let” instead of “return”.
Her underlying meaning was clear. Just because the necklace had once belonged to Estelle’s mother, it didn’t mean Estelle had any claim to it. Susan was merely being generous by allowing Estelle to have it since she had asked.
Julian had already felt that Estelle was using the divorce as a threat, which left him displeased. His expression grew even colder when he heard Susan’s words.
“No need.” Julian’s voice was cold and cutting. “I gave it to you, so it’s yours.”
“But—” Susan wanted to say more when Julian cut her off.
His expression was calm and unreadable. “There’s no reason to take back a gift that’s been given.”
Susan looked visibly moved.
Estelle clenched her fists without realizing it. Then, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
“Ms. Lynch, didn’t you want me to lend you the violin? No problem. As long as Mr. Grant is willing to beg me, I’ll consider it,” Estelle said.
Susan widened her eyes in disbelief.
Julian’s expression grew dark and menacing. He said icily, “Estelle, enough.”
Estelle sneered, “I thought you’d do anything for Ms. Lynch, Mr. Grant. But now… it seems that’s not the case, after all.”
In the past, Estelle had thought Julian would sacrifice anything for Susan. But it was clear now that whatever he sacrificed was trivial. They were all unimportant, like her.
After seeing things for what they were, Estelle no longer felt anything.
She turned to the store manager, who stood frozen to the side. “If I remember correctly, the consignment for this violin expires today. Please take it down. I’ll be taking it with me.”
The store manager took a cautious look at Julian’s expression.
Estelle raised an eyebrow and said, “What? As the owner of the violin, do I not even have the right to take it with me?”
“No, of course not.” The store manager quickly forced a smile. Then, he said, “I’ll have someone arrange the handover for you right away, Ms. Summer.”
Once settled, Estelle took the violin and left without sparing Julian or Susan another glance.
Julian stared at Estelle’s retreating figure with a deep frown.
Susan lowered her head slightly, guilt written on her face. “She must be upset because you forgot to celebrate her birthday yesterday. I hate that my health is so weak and that I keep causing you trouble.”
“It has nothing to do with you.” Julian looked away and said flatly, “Just focus on preparing for your concert. I’ll have someone send you Summer Starlight after some time.”
Susan beamed happily. “Okay.”
…
That evening, Julian came home on time for once. However, Estelle hadn’t set the table and neither was she waiting for him like she usually did.
It was dinnertime, and Tobias came downstairs as usual. But when he saw the empty dining table, he looked confused.
“Dad, didn’t Mom make dinner tonight?” Tobias asked.
Estelle was the epitome of a devoted wife and mother. Over the years, she had remained quiet and non-confrontational, faithfully fulfilling her duties as his wife.
Tobias had a weak stomach and was extremely picky about food. Because of this, Estelle had always prepared his dinners and suppers herself, rarely relying on the helpers.
Julian pressed his lips together when he recalled the events of the day, and faint displeasure appeared on his face. If Estelle thought she could manipulate him this way, she was thinking too highly of herself.
“Let her be,” Julian said indifferently. “I’ll take you out for dinner.”
Tobias clapped his hands happily and exclaimed, “That’s awesome! We can invite Ms. Susie too, and I can have yummy cotton candy again!”
“Cotton candy?” Julian paused momentarily. “Didn’t your mother say you shouldn’t have it?”
