Chapter 176

Chapter 176

The concert was about to start. Sophia's piece was scheduled first. The opening performer always faces the greatest pressure, especially since this was her first performance in so many years.

The backstage curtain slowly opened, and the lights in the small concert hall dimmed. This meant the show was beginning.

The previously noisy environment quieted down.

Everyone's eyes fell on the stage at the same time.

Sophia walked forward slowly, holding her violin. The moment she appeared, the air around seemed to freeze for a second.

On stage, Sophia wore a cream-colored long dress, her figure cool and elegant.

Some people had already recognized it as the most luxurious haute couture of the moment. Sophia's long hair was delicately pinned to one side, revealing a fair face. Her temperament was clean and gentle, yet carried a coolness that belonged only to her.

Sophia walked step by step to the center stage and stopped. Flashlights below began to flicker, accompanied by the crisp sounds of camera shutters.

The reporters below had already started taking photos and filming.

Francis let out a satisfied sigh.

"She really is someone I chose well. Just dress her up a bit, and she already stands out. Later, arrange for those reporters you invited to praise Sophia's beauty more. It should work as a hook to attract attention."

This was his calculated plan based on understanding the current market, and as he said, Sophia's appearance was indeed worth marketing.

Daniel shook his head gently. His gaze fell directly on Sophia, and he couldn't move away at all.

"No need. Her appearance is the least noteworthy of her strengths. I believe without us doing anything, these media will focus on her musical skills."

Below the stage, Benjamin's expression was unprecedentedly gentle. His gaze was firmly glued to Sophia at the center of the stage.

The Sophia on stage was no longer the Sophia tightly locked away by the White family. She had become dazzling and eye-catching, with all the stage lights shining on her.

She had already become a star.

On the other side, Matthew had arrived at some point. He held a large bouquet of roses, gazing at Sophia with infatuated eyes.

Three men had coincidentally appeared in the concert hall, all for the same woman.

The entire hall was silent except for the crisp sound of cameras. Sophia slowly closed her eyes, her hand pulling the bow.

The melodious and ethereal sound of the violin echoed through the concert hall with the notes she played. The camera sounds also stopped, and everyone's attention shifted to her music.

When the piece ended, deafening applause instantly swept through the concert hall, with faint sounds of people cheering.

Benjamin breathed a sigh of relief. The performance was very successful. He didn't need to notify those media outlets—they would all write glowing reviews.

He was also paving the way for Sophia's future career from his corner.

Sophia bowed slightly, curtsied elegantly, and then left the stage as arranged.

Francis came up to meet her, clapping his hands, his eyes surprisingly bright.

"Wonderful, wonderful! Your performance today was definitely better than in recent days! You succeeded, Sophia, you really succeeded."

He had seen all of Sophia's hard work and exhaustion these past days. Now seeing the performance so successful, his eyes were full of relief.

"Wonderful, Sophia. All your day and night efforts weren't in vain. That's really good."

Daniel stood silently to the side. Only after the still somewhat nervous Sophia's emotions had stabilized did he step forward, his gaze tender.

"You worked hard."

This brief comfort made Sophia's nose tingle. She nodded, the corners of her mouth lifting involuntarily.

"Thank you all. Without your support and help, I... I wouldn't have been able to step onto this stage."

As soon as she finished speaking, a staff member nearby walked over carrying a large bouquet.

He walked straight to Sophia's side and handed over the flowers in his hands.

"Ms. Brown, these flowers are from Mr. White. He's celebrating the smooth and successful conclusion of your performance."

The roses bloomed layer upon layer, dazzling and eye-catching, obviously carefully selected.

Sophia didn't want to spoil the mood at this moment. She bent down slightly and accepted the flowers.

"Thank you. Where is Mr. White?"

She glanced behind the person who delivered the flowers, but didn't see Benjamin's tall and imposing figure.

The staff member smiled slightly.

"Mr. White went back first. He said if you need anything, you can contact him directly. He won't disturb you at this time."

Just as she held the roses, the overwhelming floral scent disrupted Sophia's emotions that had just calmed down. She nodded.

"Okay, thank you. You can go do your work."

She turned around.

Francis tactfully looked away and didn't stare. But Daniel, beside him, looked straight at her, his brow slightly furrowed.

"You like roses?"

He avoided the main point, deliberately omitting who sent the flowers, only focusing on whether Sophia liked roses.

Before Sophia could say anything, Francis, beside them, let out a scoff. He glanced at Daniel as if to say how childish can you be.

"They're okay."

Sophia's expression was somewhat awkward. Holding a large bouquet of roses and wearing a haute couture gown, it was indeed inconvenient to move around.

"Then I... then I'll go back and change clothes first. Mr. Wilson, Mr. Vasquez, you can go back to the company first. Just arrange a car for me."

Daniel naturally wouldn't let it go. Just as he was about to speak, Francis beside him held him back.

"Okay, we'll arrange a car for you. Mr. Wilson and I will head back first."

After Sophia walked away, Daniel asked reluctantly.

"Can't I just go back with Sophia? Why do we have to go separately?"

Francis looked at him with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

"Don't forget your identity. You're the company's boss. If you come and go with her, who knows what these media will write. Come on, let's go. We need to avoid suspicion a bit."

Sophia changed into her own clothes and felt more comfortable. Just as she finished packing her bag, she caught sight of a company staff member about to leave.

She quickly grabbed him.

"Could you help me take this bouquet to the company? I'll take it home tonight. It's really inconvenient for me to take it out now, and there are still media outside, right?"

The concert was continuing. Sophia was one of the performers, and there were media waiting outside the venue.

The staff member didn't ask questions and took the large bouquet of roses away. Sophia breathed a sigh of relief. She put up her long hair before leaving.

Many cars were parked outside the concert hall. She was looking for the company car when a man walked up to her.

"Sophia, I watched the performance. It was really successful. Congratulations."

It was Matthew. He held flowers in his hands, a gentle smile on his handsome face as he spoke softly.

"Come on, I'll take you back to the company."