Chapter 407: Tears Welled in the Eyes of Many Audience Members

Tears welled in the eyes of many audience members as the final notes faded. The melody had pulled at their deepest emotions. Such an innocent and tragic woman. Why had the online mob attacked Vanessa so viciously? She had done nothing wrong. She had simply fallen in love with Derek. Her love for him began after Sienna had abandoned him five years prior. Sienna had already ended their relationship. It was a personal choice, not a crime. Yet they had hunted her like wild animals. Numerous people wiped their cheeks, hearts aching with regret.

They bitterly regretted the cruel words they had once directed at Vanessa. In an instant, all their prejudice transformed into sincere goodwill. The audience was filled with directors and producers. Every single one was utterly captivated by Vanessa's performance. They never knew she possessed such a stunning voice. Her singing was enchanting, more compelling than the industry's top vocalists. Her heartfelt passion resonated deeply with every listener.

"I would seriously consider producing an album for her," a prominent producer stated.

"That song would be an instant hit."

"Absolutely. I have a strong feeling she could stage a major comeback."

"Her popularity would skyrocket."

Madam Prescott heard these murmurs of approval. A wide, satisfied smile spread across her face. Vanessa had made her immensely proud. She walked confidently onto the stage. She presented a glass case to Vanessa.

"Vanessa, this is for you."

"From this day forward, you are my official daughter-in-law."

"I will take excellent care of you."

"And I will protect the baby you carry."

"I promise you will know nothing but happiness."

Vanessa accepted the ornate case.

Inside rested an exquisite piece of emerald jade.

The carving was masterful, the shade a deep, captivating green. It evoked the pure, untamed beauty of nature. This was a top-tier imperial jade, large and flawlessly sculpted. A gasp rippled through the crowd.

"That's the Prescott family heirloom!"

"A legend says it was a gift from royalty generations ago!"

"Madam Prescott is giving it to Vanessa!"

"She is passing the family legacy directly to her!"

Vanessa's smile widened at their words. She bowed her head graciously.

"Thank you, Mother."

The precious jade felt cool in her hands. Her eyes flickered subtly toward the group of bridesmaids. Sienna stood in a shadowy corner, obscured from the light. A large potted plant blocked her from view. No one could see her expression. A surge of triumph coursed through Vanessa. Perfect. All eyes were on her. The world's cameras were focused solely on her. She was showered with praise and blessings. Today, she was the woman everyone revered. Sienna was merely an invisible spectator, utterly ignored. But no... it wasn't quite enough.

She would only be truly satisfied when Sienna's reputation lay in ruins at her feet. She wanted the entire world to witness how Sienna had seduced Lucas. She wanted them to know she had slept with him. Vanessa gave an almost imperceptible signal to Penelope, who stood nearby. Penelope nodded in understanding and immediately moved to prepare. The background music softened into silence. The large screen transitioned to a romantic backdrop of falling blossoms and snow. The emcee's voice rang out clearly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for has arrived."

"Please welcome our beautiful bride and handsome groom to the center stage."

"Let the official ceremony commence!"

This time, Derek offered his arm to Vanessa with genuine care. They walked together to the center of the stage. The memory of her tears and her haunting voice filled him with guilt. He must have been under a spell to let such a gentle, beautiful woman go. He had been a fool to choose the poisonous Sienna instead. Sienna was stunning, yes. But she was a rose covered in sharp thorns. She was not feminine. She was not wifely material.