Chapter 41
"Hey, since James brought you to the party tonight, you must be something special. This place is packed with the crème de la crème. How about you go up on stage later and play a piece for us? It'd be a great way for everyone to get to know you. Not only would it make James proud, but it would also show everyone the future daughter-in-law of the Smith family."
Sophia's face changed instantly upon hearing this.
Was Matilda serious? Asking her to perform on stage?
Did she mishear? Did she look like an entertainer?
Sophia stepped forward, cautiously testing the waters. "Mrs. Smith, are you asking me to perform on stage to show some respect?"
Should she humbly decline and suggest Mrs. Smith perform instead?
Matilda was infuriated by Sophia's naive response. "Sophia, I heard from Veda that you haven't been to many fancy events growing up."
Sophia raised an eyebrow and spoke calmly, "So what?"
Matilda was taken aback by Sophia's bluntness and apparent lack of manners. She took a deep breath, finally showing some dissatisfaction, unable to maintain her elegant facade. "Are you refusing to go on stage because you have no talent?"
Seeing a hint of embarrassment flash across Sophia's face, Matilda continued mercilessly, "I don't know what your relationship with James is, but whether you're my daughter-in-law or with James, you'd be marrying into the Smith family."
"Do you know that as a daughter-in-law of the Smith family, you need to be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting? Especially at events like this, playing an instrument, dancing, or singing are basic skills."
Sophia nodded knowingly, looking at her with confusion. "Oh, I see. But Mrs. Smith, I don't quite understand. Is the Smith family setting such high standards for their daughters-in-law because you plan to have them enter show business to support the family?"
Sophia's tone grew more innocent. "Mrs. Smith, you're also a daughter-in-law of the Smith family. Are you proficient in all these arts, too? Why don't you set an example today and perform first, so I can learn from you?"
Matilda was almost beside herself with anger. Normally, women were terrified of her, doing everything they could to impress her. Matilda had never encountered someone like Sophia, who pretended to be clueless and constantly argued back.
Sophia looked expectantly at Matilda. Initially, she thought Matilda was gentle, but now she realized her first instinct was right. Matilda was definitely a schemer, appearing kind but enjoying backstabbing.
Matilda trembled with anger, her expression darkening. "Are you refusing to go on stage because you don't have any skills? James is the head of the Smith family. If you stand by his side without any talents, it really doesn't make sense."
Before Sophia could respond, James walked over.
Seeing their calm yet heated conversation, he was puzzled. "What are you two talking about?"
Sophia didn't hesitate and straightforwardly replied, "Mrs. Smith invited me to perform on stage. James, what do you think about this?"
James was very sharp and knew the personalities and temperaments of the Smith family members well, especially Matilda. She appeared gentle and unassuming but harbored resentment towards him.
After all, Chase was the eldest grandson of the Smith family, and he and Chase were only a few years apart. When his older brothers retired, Chase should have taken over the Smith Group. But James's exceptional talents caught Aiden's eye, and he handed the Smith Group to James.
This meant Chase's chance to take over was indefinitely postponed. As they were close in age, by the time James retired, Chase would also be old, making it impossible for Chase to become the head of the Smith Group.
Matilda had blamed Aiden for a long time, calling him a fool for having a son so late in life, ruining all her plans.
James looked at Sophia with interest and said, "So Matilda wants you to perform on stage! Everyone's having a good time at the party. Why don't you go up and entertain us?"
Sophia was instantly exasperated. Wasn't James supporting her earlier? Why the sudden change in attitude?
Didn't he realize she'd embarrass herself on stage?
Because Matilda was right, Sophia indeed had no talents.
She had spent years beside Mia, working hard to make ends meet, studying, working, or taking care of Mia's frail health. There was no time to develop hobbies or interests.
Feeling uneasy, Sophia stood in front of James and whispered, "James, are you crazy? I'm just here to accompany you to the party, standing by your side as a decoration. Why should I perform on stage? Am I your clown?"
James smirked, pretending to be serious. "Do you know who I am? Do you know my influence in Emerald City? Attending a party with me, performing on stage is a basic skill."
Sophia was almost furious. She considered breaking ties with James publicly, but thought better of it. Fine, she'd go on stage. What was the big deal? It wasn't her reputation at stake.
She didn't know many people at the party anyway. "Alright, is there a violin at the party? I'll play a violin piece for you."
James had initially wanted to tease Sophia, giving her a small lesson for her previous disobedience. He hadn't expected her to actually agree to perform.