Chapter 20 " But- " Anathea wanted to say that now wasn't the time to expose her status , inecessary trouble the abduction incident still haunted her , and she never After all , the last thing she needed was more u wanted to go through anything like that again . " No buts ! " Isabel cut her off without hesitation . " Anathea , you can back down . Just think about it - you're gorgeous , you've got an amazing figure , and you carry yourself with absolute grace andlegance . That other woman is nothing compared to you ! " Before she could continue , the sound of a gentle plano melody floated through the air . In the center of the garden , a woman in an elegant sky - blue gown at at the grand piano on a stage surrounded by blue roses . Her slender fingers danced effortlessly across the black and white Heys , each note forming a melody so mesmerizing that it seemed to take on a life of its own , wrapping around her before drilling outward . The beautiful rhythm resonated through the crowd , captivating everyone who listened . Someone exclaimed , " Oh my God , look at her posture . She's so elegantl " " And that dress ! With all those blue roses around her , she looks just like a tatry ! " Another asked , " Who is she ? I don't think I've ever seen her before " " You must not be keeping up . That's Mrs. Sinclair's goddaughter from years ago . She was a prodigy , so she went abroad for further studies . She only returned about a month ago . Her last name is …. um …… ." " Whitman , " Anathea mumbled softly , her eyes locked onto the woman on stage . Anathea hadn't expected Natalie to be so talented . Not only could she ski , but she could also play the piano beautifully . At this moment , she looked effortlessly stunning in her cool - toned , flowing blue gown . Her long , silky waves cascaded over her shoulders like waves . She had a delicate blue silk ribbon wrapped around her slender neck , adorned with a teardrop - shaped gemstone that sparkled under the lights . There was a refined elegance to her , yet a touch of allure in the way she carried herself . She looked like a vision of unattainable perfection - the kind of woman people couldn't help but admire from afar . Anathea thought anyone would surely be drawn to her . Then , her gaze drifted toward Gregory , who was seated in the front row with a glass of red wine , positioned directly across from Natalie . Nearby , Xander , Theo , and Eleanor were equally captivated by the music , their expressions filled with admiration . Xander , in particular , looked incredibly proud as he turned to the kids his age and boasted , " Ms. Whitman is incredible ! She can play the plane and skil " " Who is that ? " Isabel asked , frowning slightly . Even though the woman had her back to them , something about her seemed strangely familiar . " The one who arrived with Gregory , " Anathea said calmly . Just then , the soft melody came to a gentle end . Natalie rose gracefully and gave a small curtsy , acknowledging the audience with quiet poise . A round of applause erupted , with guests murmuring words of admiration . Ms. Whitman , over here ! " Xander eagerly waved her over . Natalie made her way toward Gregory without hesitation . Taking the wine glass from his hand , she flashed him a smile . " You've been holding this for me this whole time . Are your hands getting tired ? " Gregory's lips moved , but Anathea couldn't make out what he said Then , Eleanor spoke , her voice deliberately loud enough for everyone to hear . She said , " I've arranged for a dance later this Chapter 20 +25 BONUS evening , but I've had a bit too much to drink , and my legs aren't steady as they should be . Why don't the two of you open the ball for me instead ? " The moment the words left her mouth , all eyes turned toward Gregory and Natalie , Chapter 21 Chapter 21