After ending the call, Edric turned to her with a tense expression. "Rosie, Sierra's grandmother fainted. I need to go see her right away."
"What? How's she doing?" Before Rosetta could even respond, Elliot interjected.
"The situation doesn't look good," Edric replied, his brows knit in concern. "Sierra sounded shaken. Her voice was trembling. She must be really scared."
Almost as soon as he finished, Elliot leaned forward and spoke in a low voice, "Stop the car."
Once the vehicle halted, Elliot turned toward Rosetta. Usually composed and unruffled, he now appeared a bit flustered. "Sierra needs us, Rosie. Do you mind if you go to the dinner on your own? When we're done, we'll come find you. Is that alright?"
You'll come to find me when you're done? Really?
She managed a calm smile and nodded. "Of course, I don't. Go on ahead."
Relieved by her understanding, Elliot sighed, looking momentarily reassured. "All right, then. Let's go."
As they hurried off, Rosetta's smile faded. Turning to the driver, she spoke with a cool detachment, "Let's go."
The awards ceremony was teeming with prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Rosetta was not particularly skilled at small talk, so she kept her interactions brief, then slipped away to a quiet seat near the back.
No sooner had she settled than a light, mocking voice sounded beside her.
"Well, look who it is. The famous violinist Miss Rosetta Murphy."
Rosetta lifted her gaze and her expression immediately hardened at the sight.
Standing before her was Jared, the notorious son of the Sterling family, the one person she had once offended. Behind him was a group of equally smug young men.
The smirk on Jared's face grew wider as he noticed her reaction, looking every bit the villain enjoying his small triumph.
"Miss Murphy, all by yourself tonight? Where are the Sinclair brothers?"
Rosetta met his gaze briefly and then looked away without saying a word.
“Oh, silly me. I almost forgot that Elliot and Edric have a new lover now. What's her name again? Sierra Harris?”
Rosetta shot him a frosty look, her patience wearing thin. She stood, intending to walk away without further interaction.
Jared grabbed her hand before she could take a step and said, "Where are you rushing off to. It's only polite to chat with old friends for a while, don't you think?"
Rosetta yanked at her hand, but the strength difference between them was too great and her attempts to break free were useless.
"Jared, let go of me."
“Well, I'll let go. Call the Sinclair brothers. The moment they ask me to release you, I'll do it."
Rosetta glared at him, but the man casually raised his eyebrows.
She took a deep breath, reluctantly pulled out her phone and dialed Elliot's number. The call was immediately connected, yet no one answered and it eventually disconnected on its own.
Refusing to accept defeat, she tried Edric next, but this time, the call was swiftly declined.
She clutched her phone tightly, the sting of disappointment spreading from her heart to her entire body, an ache so deep it left her nearly breathless.
Of course. The only one who mattered to them now was Sierra Harris. She, on the other hand, was no longer a priority.
Jared watched it all with satisfaction, a smug grin stretching across his face.
"Well, would you look at that. Seems like the Sinclair brothers don't care enough to answer Miss Murphy's call anymore."
"Let go of me."
"Why should I?"
"You should think this through carefully, Jared. Haven't past lessons taught you enough?"
"Oh, Miss Murphy is still acting so impressive. But you seem to have forgotten something. You used to have the Sinclair brothers protecting you by your side. What do you have now? They've long since abandoned you."
