The Enticing CEO's Chosen Bride novel Chapter 1428

At Y Country’s state banquet hall.

The food and drinks were already set on the table, and various performances had been staged one after another.

Delicious food and top-notch art performances, every single detail showed the importance and enthusiasm that Y Country attached to this state banquet.

Barbara and Becky sat politely on either side of Queen Julia, occasionally passing her some dishes, and nothing chaotic had happened so far.

On the huge stage, the orchestra, consisting of dozens of members, was approaching the end of their performance, with everyone in the audience deeply engrossed in the enchanting melodies.

The music played by the orchestra was grand and majestic, echoing the thunder of galloping horses, as well as a resolute determination in the face of destiny’s challenges.

After the music ended, a round of enthusiastic applause broke out in the banquet hall.

"That's what a top-notch orchestra sounds like! Even a music dummy like me was moved!"

"Indeed, their previous world tours always received rave reviews."

"They truly live up to their reputation."

Queen Julia also nodded in satisfaction. So far, she was quite pleased with the arrangements for the evening.

As for this kind of traditional music, Becky didn't understand it at all; she had no idea what they were trying to express. The sound in her ears was like something was hitting her eardrums out of tune, making her feel dizzy.

But Barbara was full of appreciation and admiration. She whispered to Queen Julia, "It's really beautiful, isn't it, Granny? I attended their world tour performance in Y Country a few years ago."

Considering Becky's inappropriate behavior earlier today, Queen Julia was more satisfied with Barbara at the moment. She smiled and nodded at Barbara, saying, "Indeed, we owe you for inviting them over."

Barbara replied with a smile, "While they are undoubtedly excellent, participating in a state banquet also adds prestige. Inviting them didn't require much effort."

Although her words sounded pleasant, they subtly revealed her sense of superiority due to her royal birth. Queen Julia gave her a subtle glance, her smile still present, but the mirth in her eyes slightly faded.

Throughout the years, she had never displayed favoritism towards her two granddaughters and Ava. She provided them with everything she could: affection, family, a life of wealth, and noble status and identity.

When she brought Ava back, it was because Ava had once been her daughter’s closest companion. She poured her deep love and regret for Jasmine onto them.

She treated them well, even in the face of her nephew's opposition. She entrusted Ava to him, and due to his current indifference, she pampered them even more.

If given the choice, she wouldn't mind continuing this way.

However, the mistake Becky made today provoked some resistance within her. She wondered if her true granddaughter, a royal-blooded member of the family, would ever display such arrogance and make such basic mistakes.

Absolutely not.

However, as the curtain was raised, Chloe noticed from backstage that the staff had placed a grand piano adorned with crystals on the stage. The crystal lamp’s light illuminated the piano, creating a dazzling radiance.

She frowned, recalling that the piano she had played just moments ago appeared different. It lacked the layer of crystals that now made it blinding to look at.

There were an excessive number of crystals; it was impossible to have affixed them meticulously to the entire piano in just a few hours. They must have replaced the piano at the last moment.

Yet, even for the sake of upholding the state banquet’s image, shouldn’t they have informed her in advance?

As all the orchestra members left the stage, the host walked past her, offering a polite smile upon noticing her.

Chloe then watched him step onto the stage, his voice resonating, "Next, we have a truly astonishing performance. Please welcome the most noble and elegant Princess Barbara of Y Country, who will delight us with a piano solo dedicated to her beloved queen."

As soon as his words came out, enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience below the stage. Chloe's expression turned cold. She looked up at the piano, studded with crystals, and everything seemed to make sense.

She paused for a moment, then curled her lips into a cold smile. She had thought that Princess Barbara would behave herself, at least to maintain her elegant princess image. She wouldn't have taken any action to compete, but it turned out she had been waiting quietly.

Queen Julia's face didn't change at all due to the applause. In fact, when she heard those grandiose words, she was filled with anger.

She admitted that, compared to Becky, Barbara was a clever girl. But playing mind games in front of her? That really grinded her gears.