Chapter 166
Sebastian Valdemar's deep voice snapped Fiona Valentine out of her reverie.
"Goodbye, Mr. Valdemar." She replied hastily, cheeks tinged pink. "I look forward to seeing you again."
He gave a slight nod. As he turned to leave, his shoulder brushed past hers, leaving a faint trace of crisp pine scent in the air.
Fiona clenched her fists as she watched his tall, straight-backed figure retreat.
"I will make you fall for me," she whispered under her breath.
Only when he disappeared around the corner did she reluctantly turn away.
The Stanford University homecoming gala commenced as scheduled.
When Sebastian took his seat in the VIP section, every female gaze in the auditorium instantly locked onto him.
"Oh my God! That man is ridiculously handsome!"
"He can't be from our school. We'd have noticed someone like him before."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Look at where he's sitting!" A girl with black-framed glasses hissed.
The chatter died instantly when everyone saw the exclusive reserved seating.
"I heard they invited some young, accomplished lecturer this year..."
"Figures he'd be out of our league."
Isabella Langley's eyes lingered on Sebastian for a brief moment before darting away.
When she spotted Fiona preparing backstage, a knowing smile curled her lips.
"Go give Fiona some water," she ordered an underling.
Backstage, Fiona was taking deep breaths to steady her nerves.
"I can do this..." she kept repeating to herself.
A gentle tap on her shoulder made her jump.
"Fiona?"
The soft female voice startled her. In the dim backstage lighting, she couldn't make out the person's face.
"That's me. Who—"
"Evelyn asked me to bring you this. She said it helps with stage fright."
At Evelyn's name, Fiona's guard lowered.
"Break a leg out there. You'll dazzle them all," the stranger encouraged.
Fiona accepted the water bottle hesitantly. "Thank you."
"Don't mention it." The figure melted back into the shadows.
From the audience, Isabella watched Fiona intently, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Fiona gripped the bottle, biting her lip.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained."
She gulped down half the bottle. Strangely enough, her nerves did seem to settle.
"I can't disappoint Sebastian..." She stole a glance at the VIP section for encouragement.
As the previous piano performance ended, the emcee announced the next act.
Fiona paced backstage, palms slick with sweat. She drained the remaining water.
"Next up, Fiona Valentine with a solo vocal performance!"
Spotlights illuminated the stage as Fiona glided out in a white evening gown.
She bowed gracefully to the audience, her delicate features radiant under the lights.
The auditorium erupted in thunderous applause.