When the Dream Finally Died

That afternoon, Colby informed Ryann that she was to accompany him to a jewelry gala.

To avoid arousing suspicion, she had no choice but to agree.

But when she arrived at the venue alone, she saw Colby with his arm around Suzanne, introducing her to the crowd with unmistakable tenderness.

"This is my secretary, Suzanne, and also my closest confidante," he said warmly. "After joining the company, she personally designed the blueprints for our new jewelry line. She's indispensable to me at work."

The ruby crown resting on Suzanne's head was one Colby had personally bid for at auction not long ago, which was worth well over a hundred million.

By comparison, Ryann looked like a complete nobody.

Everyone present had their own thoughts, yet their faces were filled with praise and flattery directed at Suzanne.

Blushing under the compliments, Suzanne smiled shyly and leaned into Colby's arms.

"It's all thanks to Colby's guidance," she said softly. "Without him, I wouldn't be who I am today."

Someone in the crowd couldn't resist teasing, "Miss Price and Mr. Willis are inseparable. Sounds like wedding bells aren't far off. Don't forget to send us invitations."

Suzanne's face flushed even deeper as she glanced at Colby nervously.

The next second, her gaze unexpectedly met Ryann's calm eyes.

The room fell into instant silence.

Colby turned toward Colby, his manner polite and gentle as always in public. "You're here already. Why didn't you tell me so I could come get you?"

Ryann replied coolly, "If I'd spoken up, wouldn't I have interrupted your good moment?"

Colby remained composed as he reached out and pulled her hand, smoothly shifting her position with Suzanne.

Ryann instinctively tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. Leaning closer, he murmured in a low voice, "If you don't want anything to happen to Charlee again, cooperate."

Ryann lifted her head to look at him. She should have kept enduring it, but she was so tired of it.

"Colby, if you want my cooperation, let Charlee out. Otherwise, I'd rather die," she said steadily.

His hand tightened briefly. In the end, he seemed to sigh. "You've always been willful since you were little. Only I can put up with you."

On the spot, Colby ordered someone to bring Charlee out. Only then did Ryann comply.

Laughter filled the air. Glasses clinked.

After meeting several important clients, Ryann was no longer of use. Only then did Colby finally release her.

She wanted to sit alone for a while, but someone couldn't stand to see her at peace.

Surrounded by admirers, Suzanne walked over, her eyes full of malice.

"Mrs. Willis, they say that your brother used to be a piano prodigy," she said pointedly. "I wonder how your talent is. The pianist scheduled to open tonight can't make it. Why don't you fill in?"

She knew perfectly well that Charlee was Ryann's deepest wound. This was meant to provoke her, to make her lose control in public.

Ryann took a deep breath, forcing down the anger in her chest.

"Suzanne, that's putting Mrs. Willis in a difficult position. Everyone knows you're the best pianist here. If not for that accident back then, you'd probably be studying music at Harrison Conservatory right now," one of Suzanne's close friends chimed in smoothly.

Suzanne forced a timid smile. "Don't say that. Mrs. Willis grew up in one of the wealthiest families—smart, cultured, and talented in everything she does. Honestly, she might even outshine me."

Another friend added mockingly, "Probably just all show and no substance."

Harrison Conservatory. That was Charlee's dream school.

"I'll play," Ryann laughed.

She looked at Suzanne meaningfully. "Just don't regret it."

She sat down at the piano, her long fingers dancing across the black and white keys.

A cool, restrained melody flowed out, quietly tugging at everyone's heartstrings.

Faces grew mesmerized. People unconsciously gathered around her.

Suzanne gritted her teeth.

Why was it that whenever Ryann appeared, everyone else disappeared from view?

When the final note fell, applause erupted in waves.

"No wonder she was once the top socialite in Harrington. This level is master-class!"

"Her grandfather was the country's greatest pianist. Of course his grandchildren would be this gifted!"

Even Colby froze for a moment, a trace of nostalgia flashing through his eyes.

Before he could stop himself, he walked forward. "Ryann, your playing is still as moving as ever."

That single sentence shattered Suzanne's composure. Her eyes reddened instantly.

"Mr. Willis," she said tearfully, "Mrs. Willis really is amazing. Unlike me… I finally qualified for a conservatory evaluation, only to lose everything because of an injury. I'm so useless."

Colby's expression darkened at once.

But by the time he tried to pull Ryann down from the stage, she was already stepping off on her own.

"No matter what I've endured," Ryann said calmly, "I'm still Ryann Fowler. I don't need any man to define my worth. From now on, please call me Miss Fowler."

Suzanne's eyes overflowed. She covered her face and broke down crying, "Yes, I was born poor. I can't compare to someone as lofty as Miss Fowler. I deserved to be stabbed, deserved not even to have the right to play piano here."

Hearing her words, Colby could no longer hold it together.

"You know perfectly well Charlee ruined Suzanne's life. And you still humiliate her like this in public?" he barked.

Ryann's voice was steady. "Colby, I've said it before. My brother is innocent."

Colby shook his head in disappointment, shoved Ryann aside in anger, and chased after Suzanne.

Pitying looks fell on Ryann from all around. She didn't care.

After all, she would be leaving soon.

But that very night, just after she got home, a news alert popped up on her phone, "Brother of Willis Group CEO's wife goes berserk in public, viciously harasses young women—circumstances severe."