Chapter 211 Angel
After dinner, it was time to go watch the performance.
Zoey had signed up for two acts under Wentworth's family name—one singing and one piano performance.
Sally and Nick were super excited. They loved listening to Zoey play the piano.
Sally said, "I think Zoey's definitely going to win first place tonight."
Nick chimed in, "I think so too!"
Both of them were thrilled.
Zoey wore a fitted white dress today.
However, she'd gained some weight recently, and her waist was showing, making it obvious she was pregnant when wearing this dress.
When she came out, Charles looked surprised.
Zoey asked irritably, "What are you staring at? Never seen a chubby girl before?"
Charles stared at her belly.
He suspected Zoey might be pregnant, but then thought—something this big, she wouldn't keep it from him.
Zoey had never been the type to keep things to herself.
Matilda, watching from the side, couldn't help but shake her head.
Wentworth also sighed helplessly.
He'd always thought Charles understood women well, but turns out it was all talk.
He could tell Zoey was pregnant, and not just him—all the women in the neighborhood knew.
Of course, Wentworth wasn't going to tell his older brother.
His brother was the one trying to win back his wife, not him.
...
They all headed out together.
On their way out, they ran into Scarlett.
Scarlett was the leader's niece and a teacher at the school. Today she wore a red dress—clearly she had a performance too.
When Scarlett saw the Gonzaga brothers, her face flushed red.
She'd always known Wentworth was handsome, but didn't expect his older brother to be so charming too.
She'd always felt she should marry into a family like this, and must marry into such a family.
So when she looked at Matilda and Zoey, she felt annoyed.
Matilda was now a housewife, and Zoey just hung around eating and drinking for free every day—clearly women with no real abilities who married the Gonzaga brothers just because they were pretty. Such marriages wouldn't last, and sooner or later their husbands would get tired of them.
Scarlett huffed and walked away.
The auditorium was packed tonight. Those who couldn't find seats brought their own stools to squeeze in.
Since they arrived around the same time, Scarlett ended up sitting in the row right in front of Matilda.
Scarlett heard Matilda behind her asking Zoey, "Have you practiced on this auditorium's piano? Is it different from the one at home? Do you need to tune it or something?"
Zoey laughed, "No need, pianos all play pretty much the same. No tuning needed."
Scarlett's aunt overheard and turned around to ask, "Young lady, did you sign up for piano too?"
Zoey nodded, "Yeah."
"What a coincidence! Our Scar signed up for piano too."
She asked about the piece, and as luck would have it, they were playing the same one.
Scarlett glanced at Zoey. Zoey was about to smile at Scarlett, but seeing the contempt and mockery in Scarlett's eyes, she couldn't be bothered.
Scarlett's aunt continued, "Scar's been practicing piano since she was little, and she even passed level eight. What level are you, young lady?"
Zoey replied, "Probably around the same, I guess. I've never taken the level exams."
She felt the exams were just formalities—what mattered was enjoying playing.
A thought crossed Scarlett's mind, 'Sometimes when passing by Wentworth's house, could that piano music be Zoey playing?'
But then she thought, impossible!
Such beautiful piano music could only come from a master-level performer, not some young girl like Zoey.
The performance began.
Since everyone performing was familiar, the audience enjoyed it and the atmosphere was great.
Then it was Zoey's turn.
Zoey had signed up to play 'Castle in the Sky.'
Since she'd gotten friendly with many of the women, they cheered her on as soon as she went up.
Plus, she was pretty, so some people thought a celebrity had shown up.
Scarlett was full of contempt. "Hmph, talent can't be faked. Once you start playing, you'll be exposed."
However, when Zoey sat down and gently placed her fingers on the keys, soon beautiful piano music filled the air.
The whole room went quiet.
This 'Castle in the Sky' was Zoey's own creation. Since it was a rare holiday, she'd added some joyful elements.
Scarlett was shocked listening to it.
How was this possible?
They were about the same age, and she'd worked so hard at practicing, yet Zoey's piano skills were clearly better than hers.
Looking around, everyone else was captivated by Zoey's playing too.
Especially Charles.
Charles had only known Zoey as innocent and cheerful with a beautiful singing voice, but he never knew she played piano this well. He'd almost missed out on such an angel.
His eyes filled with hearts as he listened, wanting nothing more than to go up and hug her.
When Zoey finished, the applause was thunderous.
But Zoey still had one more song.
To avoid performers going up and down and having to retouch makeup, if someone had two acts, they'd perform them back-to-back.
The audience listened, completely mesmerized.
Some questioned, "Is this a recording? Not actually live singing, right?"
After Zoey finished singing, people were still shouting, "One more! One more!"
Zoey didn't stay on stage, giving the opportunity to the next performers.
The audience watched her, those who didn't know her wondering whose family she was with.
Seeing her walk over to Wentworth and his wife, they realized she was Wentworth's relative.
Who knew Mr. Gonzaga had such a talented and beautiful relative.
Some bold ones asked directly, "Does she have a boyfriend?"
Some unmarried young men kept smiling at her.
Charles felt a strong sense of crisis.
After Zoey sat back down, Charles tried to hold her hand, but she pulled away.
"Zoey, you sang so well just now."
Zoey said, "Not as good as others."
"Your piano playing was beautiful too."
"Not as beautiful as others." She ignored Charles and waved at the people still looking at her.
Charles suddenly felt frustrated. He pulled Zoey into a tight embrace. Zoey struggled for a bit but couldn't break free.
Whatever, let him be.
Scarlett, sitting in front of them, looked ashen.
Zoey played so beautifully, and performed before her!
When she went up to play the same piece later, the audience definitely wouldn't be interested.
What should she do?