Chapter 175

Chapter 175

"Take your time, don't rush. It's still early, and we're all waiting for you. It's fine."

Francis rolled his eyes without holding back. He turned his face away, unable to stand Daniel's look of being completely smitten with Sophia.

Francis clapped his hands and spoke to the stylists and makeup artists resting on their stools.

"The star is here. I hope everyone can bring their A-game to finish today's work."

As he spoke, Sophia had already reached the door, carrying her heavy violin case, slightly out of breath.

She looked up and saw a room full of people. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and awkwardness.

"I'm sorry, am I a bit late?"

Before Francis could say anything, Daniel jumped in.

"No, no, we came too early. You're here at the agreed time. Let me take the violin for you. Go get your makeup and styling done first."

He reached out his well-defined hand, the movement smooth and natural, as if he'd done it a thousand times before.

After yesterday's incident, Sophia didn't dare get too close to him casually, afraid of giving him the wrong idea that she had feelings for him.

She instinctively turned away, dodging Daniel's hand.

"No need, Mr. Wilson. I'll head in now."

Sophia wore a polite smile on her face.

"Alright, go ahead then."

Daniel seemed to notice Sophia's deliberate attempt to keep her distance. He didn't get angry, and his expression didn't even change. He still wore a faint smile on his face.

He naturally withdrew his hand.

Sophia entered the makeup room where the makeup artist was already waiting by the mirror.

"Sophia, don't be nervous. Did you rest well yesterday?"

Francis came forward with a smile to ease the atmosphere.

Perhaps because of the concert, he hadn't shown his strict side to Sophia these past two days. Instead, he'd been more patient and gentle.

"Don't be nervous. Just perform at your normal level, and you'll definitely succeed."

Sophia nodded. She sat down on the stool as the makeup artist picked up her tools to begin.

The makeup artist glanced at Sophia's flawless skin.

"Ms. Brown, you have such beautiful skin. It looks like you don't even need concealer."

By the time the makeup and hair were all done, it was already afternoon.

The dress Sophia wore wasn't a heavy, complicated style, but rather a simple, elegant long gown. The lines were soft and fitted her figure, making her look slender and graceful.

Standing there in the distance, with her violin in hand, she looked clean and radiant, with an added presence.

When Francis looked up, he couldn't help but pause, a flash of surprise in his eyes. Then he clapped his hands, satisfied.

"Nice, this outfit really suits you."

He glanced at the time on his phone.

"Take another look at the score, memorize a bit more. We'll need to leave in half an hour."

Daniel pushed the door open and immediately saw Sophia in her long dress. She was slightly bent over, about to take the violin from the stand. Her profile was gentle and captivating, so beautiful it was hard to look away.

He froze, his steps halting, a flash of amazement in his eyes. Then he quickly stepped forward and took the violin from the stand.

"Let me get that. It's not convenient for you in high heels."

Daniel came so quickly that Sophia didn't have time to pull back her hand. The moment their fingertips touched, it felt like time stood still.

The burning sensation from her fingertips made Sophia withdraw her hand, her expression becoming uncomfortable.

"Okay."

She quickly pulled back her hand and turned to leave the makeup room as if nothing had happened.

Behind her, Francis wore a meaningful smile. He slowly walked over to Daniel's side, standing shoulder to shoulder.

"Aren't you afraid of pushing her away by being so pushy?"

Daniel gently wiped the violin in his hands, laughing softly.

"Well, let's see. Will I push her away, or will I make her face her own feelings?"

His eyes were full of confident determination. Francis shrugged at the sight.

He didn't think Sophia had much interest in Daniel, nor did he believe Daniel's sudden passionate affection would last long.

"Fine, then let me see how far your relationship can progress."

He said mockingly.

The concert hall was already filled with quite a few people. Although this was a small concert hall, many people had come, including reporters from various outlets.

Francis looked at the reporters sitting in the audience from backstage. They held signs with names of small media outlets, perfectly suited for this modest concert.

When his gaze swept to the middle section, he paused.

The media outlet sitting in the middle was different from the other small ones. It was a major player. This media outlet has always had top-tier traffic. Such an outlet wouldn't normally show up at a small concert.

He frowned and turned to ask.

"Did you arrange for that reporter?"

Daniel shook his head at the question.

"I didn't arrange for that reporter. Go ask what's going on. Make sure it's not someone trying to cause trouble."

Francis bent down and went to the audience, walking straight to the middle section. With a slight smile on his face, he personally asked who had invited them.

Whatever the reporter said, Francis's expression changed slightly, and he quickly returned backstage.

"He... he said Mr. Benjamin White invited him specially for the shoot. Is this the Benjamin I'm thinking of? What does this concert have to do with him?"

He didn't know the relationship between Benjamin and Sophia, but he vaguely sensed something was off.

He looked at Daniel's expression. Daniel's previously expressionless face gradually darkened.

"So it was he who arranged it?"

Instead of staying backstage, Daniel walked out to the audience and immediately spotted Benjamin in the crowd.

Benjamin was already sitting in the highest seat in the concert hall. His gaze was cold. Seeming to sense someone looking at him, Benjamin looked back.

Benjamin and Daniel's eyes met, and they both smiled simultaneously, their smiles cold.

Daniel's lips curved into an icy smile.

"As expected."

Francis also came down. He didn't understand where the tension between Benjamin and Daniel came from, looking confused.

"What are you talking in riddles for? Just tell me straight. What's going on?"

"You were curious about who Sophia's husband is, weren't you?"

Daniel lifted his chin, pointing in Benjamin's direction.

"That's Sophia's husband, Benjamin White."

Francis froze instantly. His eyes widened, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Are you crazy? Are you planning to compete with Benjamin for her? Get a grip, that's Benjamin White!"

"So what if he's Benjamin? Sophia's love isn't with him anymore. I'm competing fairly. You don't need to freak out like this."

"It won't affect you anyway."