Chapter 177

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise.

"Matthew, you came to watch my performance too!"

Among the three men, she felt most comfortable and natural only with Matthew.

She didn't have the caution and carefulness she had with Daniel, nor the resistance and distance she had with Benjamin.

"Matthew, did you watch my performance? It was really successful. You have no idea how nervous I was, especially standing on stage with so many people watching me, and all kinds of media taking photos!"

The joy and nervousness she had no one to share with right after leaving the stage now had an outlet. Sophia's speech quickened, and she talked much more, her cool eyes unable to hide her happiness.

The corners of her mouth curved up uncontrollably, her eyes bright, as if reliving that moment on stage.

Matthew responded with a deep sound. His tender gaze fell on Sophia, listening to her rapid chatter without a trace of impatience in his eyes.

He stepped forward and handed her the flowers in his hand.

"Congratulations, violinist. The performance was really successful. In my eyes, you're already a very famous violinist."

Sophia paused mid-sentence, a hint of shyness flashing across her fair face. She felt shy about Matthew calling her a "violinist."

She accepted the flowers naturally and openly, without any awkwardness.

"Matthew, don't say that. I'm not at the level of a violinist yet. I... I'm really happy today."

Sophia held the flowers.

The bouquet wasn't large, but it perfectly matched her cool and gentle temperament.

"Alright, get in the car. I'll take you back. Your company probably has a celebration dinner arranged, too, so I won't intrude."

Matthew never pressured Sophia to make choices. He was different from Benjamin and Daniel's forcefulness.

He always put Sophia's feelings first. Years of being together had taught him everything about her, and he didn't want to make things difficult for her on this matter.

"There should be one. I'm not sure, but I'll probably know once I get to the company."

The car pulled up downstairs at the company. Sophia wasn't in a hurry to get out. Her excitement had worn off quite a bit during the ride.

She turned her head and looked at Matthew's gentle profile.

"Matthew, when you're free next time, let me treat you and Anais to dinner. Bring Anais out, and we can celebrate my successful performance, too."

Matthew's expression became even softer.

"Okay, whatever you say. Just call me when the time comes."

As Sophia expected, Daniel had already arranged the location for the celebration dinner. When she walked into the office holding the flowers, it became somewhat quieter.

Francis's gaze fell on the flowers in her arms, a playful smile on his face.

"You're carrying another bouquet. Do you have a new admirer?"

His meaningful gaze swept over Daniel, and his mood improved when he saw his stern profile.

"Mr. Vasquez, don't tease me. He's my senior from school. He especially brought them over."

Sophia could naturally feel Daniel's gaze on her, burning and sincere. She almost fled as she set the flowers aside.

"Is it Matthew? From what I remember, he's interested in you. Not bad. If it's Matthew, I think you could consider dating him."

As Francis spoke more and more directly, Sophia's fair face flushed red.

"Mr. Vasquez, stop teasing me."

Daniel also coldly interrupted Francis.

"You know about everything, don't you? Alright, let's get back to business."

He looked at Sophia, his tone softening a bit.

"Want to go eat together? To celebrate the success of your performance. Of course, if you have other plans, that's fine too."

Sophia could sense him gritting his teeth as he said those last few words.

"No, I don't have any plans. Let's have dinner together. Let me treat everyone to thank Mr. Wilson for taking care of me and Mr. Vasquez for supporting me."

Francis didn't interrupt, his playful gaze constantly shifting between Daniel and Sophia.

"You don't need to pay for this meal. I've already arranged everything. Do you need to get ready, or can we leave now?"

Sophia immediately said she could leave anytime.

They went together to the upscale restaurant Daniel had already reserved. The environment was quiet and elegant, low-key yet luxurious—clearly specially arranged by him.

Sophia sat down and glanced out the window.

It was already dark outside. The night was deepening, making the restaurant seem especially quiet.

Daniel had already ordered exquisite dishes. As soon as they sat down, the food was served one by one.

After the waiter had served all the dishes, Francis was the first to pick up his chopsticks.

"Sophia, today's performance was really successful. Once the media news comes out today, there will probably be quite a few concert halls reaching out tomorrow. This will be helpful for your career."

Sophia's eyes lit up with a smile. She was happy.

"I hope so, Mr. Vasquez. If concert halls do reach out, that would be wonderful."

Daniel didn't say anything. The group ate quietly. After a while, a waiter came over carrying a dish.

"Hello, Ms. Brown."

He bowed slightly while speaking and placed the dish in front of Sophia.

"This is ordered for you by Mr. White."

Then he snapped his fingers, and another server immediately placed a bottle of fine wine on the table.

"This is the wine Mr. White ordered for you. He asked Mr. Wilson to eat and drink well, saying he was grateful for Mr. Wilson's care of Ms. Brown. As a family, this is his way of showing appreciation."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the restaurant became tense.

Francis watched with great interest. After the waiter finished speaking, he raised his eyebrows and unceremoniously took the bottle of wine from the table. He glanced at the label and smiled playfully.

Then he looked at Sophia, whose face showed embarrassment.

"This Mr. White must be your husband, right? The wine your husband ordered is quite impressive. Daniel and I thank him."

A sudden chill rose in Daniel's eyes. He looked up at the waiter who brought the wine and reached out to stop Francis from opening the bottle.

"We don't need this wine. Take it away, and this dish too. We didn't order it. Take it away quickly. This Mr. White you mentioned—we don't know him."

A look of difficulty crossed the waiter's face.

"This... Mr. Wilson, this was indeed arranged by Mr. White. He ordered it to celebrate Ms. Brown..."

Before he could finish, Daniel's voice cut him off through gritted teeth.

"I said, take all this stuff away. Didn't you understand?"

The waiter immediately lowered his head, neither responding nor doing as Daniel said. Even Francis, beside them, dropped his entertained expression.

"It's fine, no need to take it away. Go about your business."