Chapter 15 Blind Performance, She Captivates the Entire Audience
Zoe trembled with rage, but what little rationality she had left told her she couldn't cause a scene here. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I have other matters to attend to. Excuse me."
"Don't be in such a rush to leave." Evelyn grabbed her wrist with considerable force, making Zoe wince in pain.
Evelyn leaned close to her ear, speaking in a volume only the two of them could hear, her voice laced with malicious amusement:
"Ms. Perez, you've dressed so beautifully tonight. Why not go mingle with Mr. Garcia? I hear MC is currently scouting for brand ambassadors, and Harper Anderson is their top choice. If you don't step up your game soon, that golden opportunity might just slip away."
MC was currently a major international brand under the Garcia Group's cosmetics division.
Zoe's heart lurched!
A Garcia Group endorsement? Harper?
That woman had been riding high lately. If she really snatched away the Garcia Group endorsement, wouldn't that shake Zoe's position in the fashion world? More importantly, with the Garcia family...
Her face turned pale. She yanked her hand free from Evelyn's grip, shooting her a venomous glare. No longer caring about maintaining her composure, she hurried off in a certain direction.
Watching Zoe's hasty retreat, Evelyn's eyes flashed with satisfied triumph.
She beckoned to a nearby server.
The server immediately approached respectfully.
Evelyn whispered a few words in his ear, her expression casual, as if she were merely giving instructions for some trivial matter.
The server listened attentively, his face betraying no emotion. After Evelyn finished, he gave an almost imperceptible nod.
Then he quietly retreated, melting back into the crowd.
Only then did Evelyn turn back to Emma's side.
Emma was delicately sipping her juice, as if the earlier commotion had nothing to do with her.
"Upset?" Evelyn sat down, winking at her playfully.
Emma smiled, her voice soft as she replied, "Are you underestimating me, or overestimating her?"
Evelyn gently touched her shoulder with a mischievous laugh.
"That champagne tower incident was definitely Zoe's handiwork. Don't worry, I've got your back—payback time!"
Just then, the ballroom lights dimmed, and spotlights illuminated the main stage.
The host spoke, inviting Nicholas onto the stage.
He had changed into a black tuxedo. His hand was bandaged, but it didn't diminish his distinguished presence in the slightest. His deep gaze swept across the entire venue with a subtle smile.
"Good evening, distinguished guests." His low, magnetic voice carried through the microphone across the entire hall.
"We had a small incident earlier that may have startled everyone. I apologize on behalf of everyone here."
He bowed slightly.
The hall erupted in warm applause, showing understanding. A server brought him a glass of red wine, which he accepted.
"Thank you all for taking time from your busy schedules to join us in celebrating this moment. Today marks the Harrison Group's 50th anniversary. Fifty years of weathering storms together wouldn't have been possible without everyone's trust and support—you are the most precious foundation stones on our journey forward."
"On this auspicious occasion, may we continue to work hand in hand, embark on new journeys, and create new splendor together! Thank you all, cheers!"
Nicholas's speech was concise and powerful. He raised his glass in a toast, earning enthusiastic cheers from the entire venue.
After he left the stage, the host announced that the evening's performance segment would officially begin.
The first act was Zoe's violin solo.
The spotlight illuminated the stage again as Zoe, now wearing a white evening gown, walked gracefully onto the stage with her violin.
She had to admit that as an award-winning actress, her stage presence was exceptionally strong.
Every smile, every glance, perfectly showcased her charm.
The melodious violin music began—a classical masterpiece with considerable technical complexity.
Zoe's performance was smooth and precise, earning admiration from many guests in attendance.
"Wow, I had no idea Zoe could play violin so well!"
"Yes, she's truly multi-talented—beautiful and gifted."
"At this level, she could hold her own concert!"
"Zoe is going to be the future Mrs. Harrison. She's certainly accomplished."
Listening to the surrounding chatter and gradually building applause, Zoe's smile grew increasingly confident and smug.
The corner of her eye even glanced toward Emma and Evelyn's direction with barely concealed provocation.
Evelyn rolled her eyes, whispering to Emma with disdain:
"Such a pretentious act. Her playing sounds awful—she's just fooling amateurs here."
After Zoe's performance ended, the host announced the next performer with thrilling enthusiasm.
"Next, we have the privilege of welcoming a heavyweight artist from Novaria! She's hailed as Novaria's nightingale, a world-class soprano. Let's give our warmest applause to welcome Ms. Marianne Cooper!"
The venue erupted in even more enthusiastic applause and excited exclamations than before.
Marianne's name was renowned internationally. Apart from performing at national-level theaters, she never accepted private invitations.
Being able to invite her to the gala demonstrated the Harrison family's influence and connections.
A woman with a full figure and regal bearing walked onto the stage.
She wore an elegant dark-colored gown, her face radiating a kind smile. She greeted everyone with a few fluent French phrases.
Even simple words carried operatic rhythm. She then signaled for the music to begin, preparing to start her performance.
As the prelude played, Marianne closed her eyes, took a deep breath, then slowly began to sing.
Just that simple syllable seemed to carry magic, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
Marianne's voice was soaring, clear, and penetrating—it seemed to strike directly at people's souls.
Everyone was stunned by Marianne's singing. The entire hall fell silent.
That heavenly voice echoed throughout the ballroom.
Zoe had been quite pleased with her violin performance, but hearing Marianne's voice, her expression immediately changed.
This woman was actually this talented?
No, she absolutely couldn't let this woman steal her spotlight!
A flash of malice crossed Zoe's eyes.
Just as Marianne's song reached its crescendo, suddenly, the ballroom lights went out.
The entire venue plunged into darkness as emergency lighting kicked in.
The music stopped abruptly, and Marianne's voice cut off just as suddenly.
Screams filled the ballroom, and the scene immediately descended into chaos.
"What's happening? Is it a power outage?"
"What's going on?"
"Is there some kind of problem?"
The crowd buzzed with discussion and restless anxiety.
Zoe's lips curved into an almost imperceptible cold smile.
Just as everyone was panicking, suddenly, melodious piano music began to play in the darkness.
The piano notes were clear and bright, like a mountain spring, instantly soothing everyone's frayed nerves.
The agitated crowd gradually quieted down.
Everyone held their breath, quietly listening to this unexpected piano music.
The piano melody was gentle and soothing, tinged with a hint of melancholy yet filled with hope and strength.
It seemed to guide people forward through the darkness.
Then, that clear, ethereal singing voice rose again, slowly interweaving with the piano, blending together in perfect harmony.
The piano provided accompaniment that seamlessly merged with Marianne's song. Everyone was once again captivated by the voice and piano, immersed in the atmosphere created by the music.
They forgot the darkness, forgot their anxiety, and were left only with endless emotion and awe.
The lights came back on.
The audience was amazed to discover that at the white grand piano on stage, the fingers dancing across the black and white keys belonged to Emma!
At this moment, she was like a moonlight goddess—sacred and beautiful.
Even more shocking was that Emma was playing with her eyes closed!
Her slender fingers moved gracefully across the keys, every note pitch-perfect.
Every melody was soul-stirring, as if she weren't playing piano but singing with her very soul.
Playing blind!
She was actually playing blind!
Everyone was stunned by Emma's piano performance, hardly believing their eyes.
Nicholas's pupils dilated in shock as well.