She couldn't stand her sneaky ways.
Everyone knew Barbara and Becky were her granddaughters, but that was only recognized in Y Country; barely anyone knew about it abroad.
People naturally wanted to know, and she never had any intention of hiding their existence. However, due to personal considerations, she never held a special coronation for them, nor did she announce to the world that they were princesses of the Y Country royal family.
Now, at a state banquet where important envoys from all over the world gathered, she just went ahead and publicized herself as a princess of Y Country. And she claimed it was a surprise for the Queen.
Was now the time for surprises?
She was the hostess entertaining guests, and Barbara was giving her, the hostess, a surprise at such a grand occasion? She watched Barbara rise, pick up the hem of her beautiful dress, and slowly walk to the stage.
When Barbara ascended the stairs, she saw Chloe standing backstage. She gave her a seemingly elegant and polite smile, but the provocation behind the smile left Chloe feeling quite helpless.
Barbara and Becky, these two sisters, were truly worthy of being Wendy's buddies. The sense of superiority they exuded all the time was really one stronger than the other.
She gave a light smile, turned her head, and watched a small band gradually take the stage, raising her eyebrows slightly.
Barbara walked straight to the center of the stage, bowed to the audience below, and then slowly moved toward the piano, picking up her skirt and sitting down slowly.
The applause ended, and then Barbara raised her slender fingers and placed it on the keys.
The melodious piano sound slowly rose, followed by the sound of the instruments playing in harmony.
Hearing the tune she played, Chloe chuckled. “Jasmine In Bloom”, very characteristic of Z Country.
However, it must be said, there was a reason why foreign artists liked the piece so much. She said it was a gift for Queen Julia, and indeed it was.
Queen Julia herself had Z Country blood; she had lived in Y Country for many years and had a deep love for Z Country's culture.
How could she not see that after so many years with Queen Julia?
But for those of people who had never lived in Z Country since childhood, apart from “Jasmine In Bloom” and a few other pieces, there was nothing else for them to play.
These pieces were not too difficult, but the key lied in the rhythm, smooth cooperation, and the atmosphere they created, which was already very beautiful and romantic.
After the piece ended, the applause from below was slow to start.
Barbara stood up, gently lifted her skirt, and smiled in gratitude to the audience.
The invited journalists at the scene captured several photographs -
Barbara standing in the center of the stage.
Barbara playing the piano in front of a piano adorned with crystals.
Barbara standing up, picking up her skirt, and bowing in gratitude.
Each shot was as beautiful as a painting.
The applause grew even more enthusiastic.
Her long hair, gracefully pulled back, had bangs elegantly falling on either side. Her delicate features were accentuated by a hint of calmness in her eyes. In just a few steps from backstage to the stage, she possessed an indescribable aura that left everyone in the room breathless.
Words could not capture it. It was as if a cool and proud demeanor flowed through her veins—powerful, yet conveying gentleness and indifference, enveloped in a warm aura.
Whispers filled the air from below the stage.
"This is Star, I know. My son is crazy about her. He said he wants to find a wife like her. I'm quite relieved."
"My daughter has been working tirelessly lately. She once mentioned wanting to be someone like Star."
The two people exchanged knowing glances and shared a laugh, then raised their glasses for a toast, "Let's arrange for them to meet when we get the chance."
"I once heard about her various achievement. She revived a company on the brink of bankruptcy, dismantled another, and then led her own company to prosperity. This woman, she's clever and strategic."
"Exactly, that’s how it is. Otherwise, how could she have captured the heart of the handsome and accomplished CEO of the Harper Group?"
"Oh! Now that you mention it, I remember..."
...
Barbara had already performed on stage, and Becky’s mood had soured considerably. Seeing Chloe bask in the spotlight and hearing the praises lavished upon her only intensified Becky’s frustration.
She had endured numerous insults in Chloe’s presence today. While she relished the idea of seeing Chloe humiliated, this was their own state banquet, and Chloe’s failure on stage would tarnish Y Country’s reputation.
However, her patience was wearing thin.
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