The Runaway Groom
Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Isaac had initially been indifferent toward the entire event, but lookedupstage when Mark prompted him.

Beneath the chandelier, a gorgeous figure sat elegantly before thepiano.

He raised his brow in surprise.

To think that Irene would show up at a place like this... and to think thatshe could play the piano!

“Ms. Spencer is really multi-talented,” Mark added. “My wife's beentelling me that she is a fine dancer too.”

At the same time, Isaac's gaze was glued to the stage.

As Irene placed her long, thin fingers gently atop the piano keys, sheseemed to relax her entire body. Her fingertips pressed down ever soslightly, and with the ring of the first key, a comforting rhythm quicklyfollowed with perfect harmony...

Mark was not well-versed with the piano, but he was eager to share hisdelight with Isaac. “I've really worked so hard to develop the medicine,and things would not have been done so quickly if not for the hugeinvestment you put into the later phases!”

Naturally, Isaac was in attendance because he was an investor inDorime Pharmaceuticals, owning both a vote. and company shares.“There will be further discussions on the pricing of our anti-cancermedicine... I wonder if you can make some time the day aftertomorrow?"

Isaac, however, had no interest in his ramblings —both his heart andeyes were fixed on the stage.

While Mark could not tell, Isaac knew that Irene was playing Variationson the Kanon, which happens to fit the night's event.

The rhythm almost seemed bewitching, as if telling the audience thatnothing was impossible-that perseverance would eventually realizedreams.

It was also the first time Isaac was looking directly at her, and he mustadmit that she was talented.

She was certainly not just a pretty face—she was a doctor,

a dancer, and a pianist. If Isaac was not listening with his own ears, hewould not have believed she could play the piano so immaculately.Soon, however, her performance was over, and the audienceapplauded her warmly... though there were not that many who trulyenjoyed it, since the advanced understanding of music might require abetter mind.

Still, there was a man in glasses who clapped especiallyenthusiastically for Irene, seemingly because he understood herperformance.

He then approached Mark and asked, “Hey boss, is the pianist one ofthe dance instructors at your wife's studio?

11

“She used to be, but she left,” Mark replied. “She just came by today asa stand-in.”

“Does she have a boyfriend?” The man in glasses then pressed.

Isaac turned to the man right then, and his expression darkened—theman was adjusting his glasses, and he clearly looked interested inIrene. Before Mark could answer, however, Isaac said, “She's married.”Mark was shocked. “Could you have been mistaken, Mr. Jefferson?She told my wife that she did not have a boyfriend when she asked...So how could she be married?

I

On the other hand, the man in glasses appeared utterly infatuated.“She's not only beautiful... but she’s also perfect with the piano.”Then, he straightened himself, seemingly ready to head backstage andask Irene for her number.

As a man himself, Isaac knew very well what the man was planning.He sprang to his feet. “Something came up. I'm leaving.”

“But we're just starting...” Mark began, and abruptly noticed the icy lookon Isaac's face, and promptly stopped himself. “I will walk you out.”

“Is that man with glasses an employee of yours?” Isaac asked as theyheaded outside.

“He’s a technician,” Mark replied. “He graduated with honors, and I hadto poach him with a high salary from another pharmaceutical company.In the research effort, he-"

“That's enough,” Isaac growled.

He was not actually in the mood to listen.

At the same time, Mark also realized that he had been exceedinglytalkative because of the day's excitements, and hence stayed silent.As Isaac stepped out of the building, he called Zachary and asked forIrene’s number, before calling her from his

car.

Irene changed out of her gown and stepped out of the dressing roomwhen a man in glasses appeared out of nowhere, saying, “You playedvery well.”

“Thank you.” She smiled politely.

As she headed outside, the man followed and asked, “Are you free forthe night? Would you like to catch a movie with me?”

That was when Irene’s phone rang.

When she answered, a deep voice growled from the other end, “Stayaway from that man-do not give him your number or agree to going ona date with him. And get out of the building right now.”

Irene was utterly confused. What was going on here?

Still, she left the building and found Isaac's car waiting.