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.

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

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

as the younger couple made their way

didn't see their grandchildren trailing behind them. Xyla led her husband

Lynette and

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

the scenery outside?

to do, and they are sorry they couldn't make it this

a year, though. I'm disappointed they couldn't

had always been by his side for his birthday

prepare some of their favorite dishes expecting that

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attendance at the party.

them in mind only to find out that they couldn't even make it. He was no longer in a good

busy with their studies. It's not intentional," Sharon said in an effort to comfort him. Their grandchildren were very thoughtful. She genuinely believed

reasons