Revenge of the Hideous Lady by Moonlight

The small garden had been carefully designed to be surrounded by man-made hills with flowers, lush greenery, a pavilion, and a small river. It was visually stunning.

"This scenery is so beautiful. Unfortunately, now isn't the time to admire all this," Lynette Batton said with a sigh.

"Maybe not right now, but once we've performed for Grandpa and Grandma, we can come back here to enjoy the scenery," Leon Batton answered. "Okay."

Then, she pulled her brother into the pavilion and began to rehearse her part while he observed her with an affectionate smile on his face. Meanwhile, Xyla Quest and Stanley Batton entered the ballroom hand-in-hand.

By then, most of the guests had already arrived.

Beautifully-clad women in traditional dresses were up on stage, playing stringed instruments that sounded heavenly.

Several invited guests found themselves in small groups of three to five people, sitting together to drink tea or play chess.

Numerous others sat quietly off-stage as they listened to the stringed instruments.

It was a peaceful setting.

Batton and Sharon Lindt held hands as they made their rounds as hosts, chatting with their

when she entered the ballroom. Some even emitted gasps as they were drawn to her

noticed them as the younger couple made their way through the throng to

when they looked past the couple and didn't see their grandchildren trailing behind them. Xyla led

are Lynette

when they came within hearing range. His eyes swept over the elegantly dressed

grandchildren admiring the scenery outside? Did

had something to do, and they are sorry they couldn't make it this time."

sighed in disappointment. "Oh. This only happens once a year, though. I'm disappointed they couldn't

and they had always been by his side for

prepare some of their

ovn

attendance at the party.

had made all the preparations with them in mind only to find out that they couldn't even make it. He was

in an effort to comfort him. Their grandchildren were very thoughtful. She genuinely believed they couldn't attend because they

their reasons despite