Rose turned around and met Jonathan's eyes. He didn't say a word, but his gaze clearly spelled out, "Don't go".
There was a hint of displeasure and a clear warning in his eyes, causing an inexplicable shiver to run down Rose's spine.
Under the spotlight, the audience's attention shifted to the person next to Rose as she turned. The crowd was momentarily stunned upon seeing Jonathan.
Most people present didn't know his identity, but his face and the aura he exuded were no less imposing than Miles'. Speculation arose among the attendees about which family in Regalia Jonathan belonged to.
A few recognized him, their eyes showing a mix of surprise and gossipy interest as they stared at the young woman whose hand he held.
"Rosie?" Miles ignored Jonathan and continued to extend his hand with a gentle smile. He looked at Rose as if he wasn't urging her but was patiently waiting.
Rose felt as if the gazes from the crowd would burn through her. She wished she could disappear on the spot.
To add fuel to the fire, the host chimed in, "Why don't the three of you come on stage together?"
Rose couldn't respond. Was the host not having enough fun since he was inviting them together onstage?
She maintained a polite smile and racked her brain for an excuse to escape this messy situation, but it seemed that the host's suggestion pleased Jonathan.
He stood up, smiling at Rose. "Let's go."
As he spoke, he naturally placed her hand on his arm. He smiled smugly as he turned, seemingly challenging Miles. Jonathan led Rose a short distance away.
For a moment, the spotlight didn't know who to focus on. Fortunately, Miles hesitated briefly before retracting his hand and following them.
Throughout this, no one noticed Yara sitting beside them. Watching Rose walk toward the stage with Jonathan, she couldn't help clenching her fists.
It seemed even Miles cared so much about Rose, an adopted daughter of the Young family. Rose would undoubtedly steal the spotlight once she got on stage. But how could Yara let anyone outshine her?
As the trio was about to reach the stage, Yara let out a sudden exclamation. Although the sound couldn't travel far, it was enough to draw the attention of those around her.
Someone recognized her in the dim light.
"Yara? Is that you?"
Yara feigned panic after having been "discovered".
"Oh, I'm sorry for the disturbance. My earring fell off. It was a precious gift from my late grandmother."
Yara apologized and explained as she bent down to "search" the floor.
The person raised their voice in excitement upon confirming it was Yara. "Yara, it's really you! I didn't expect you to attend this performance."
Many around heard the commotion. Attention shifted to Yara in no time, and the commotion caught the host's notice. Soon, a spotlight shone on Yara. Yara knew she had achieved her goal.
"Found it! I'm so glad I found it, otherwise…" Yara exclaimed with delight. She "found" a gem earring on the ground and played out the joy of recovering a lost treasure perfectly.
"Ms. Yara? We didn't expect you to be here today. Our performance is truly blessed by your presence. Ms. Yara, would you care to join us onstage?" The host conveyed the organizers' wishes.
Yara feigned reluctance. "I only came as a spectator today. I'm afraid it's inappropriate."
Jonathan gave Miles no chance, but his answer disappointed those hoping for a juicy scandal. Jonathan met Miles' gaze with a deep look.
"Mr. Young Senior is Rosie's grandpa, so she's Miles' sister. Right, Mr. Miles?"
All eyes turned to Miles.
"Of course, Rosie is my sister. And now, she's… the most important person in my life!" Miles' smile remained.
The most important person. Everyone was slightly surprised, including Rose. She met Miles' gaze and saw the untainted gentleness in his eyes.
That look even made Jonathan pause, seemingly not understanding its deeper meaning.
While they were momentarily stunned, the host's voice chimed in again, "The most important person? So is Mr. Miles the most important person in this young lady's life?"
Almost immediately, a voice denied it.
"No!"
The speaker was again Jonathan. All eyes turned to him with curiosity.
To the audience, Jonathan was on stage just because the host had suggested, "Why don't the three of you come on stage together?"
Technically, he didn't even have the right to be on stage. Yet, he kept answering every question the host asked.
Someone chuckled from the audience. "Who do you think you are? If not Mr. Miles, then who?"
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