From James expression, you could tell he knew that this plece of real estate was going to sell big. But


    he chose to step aside and let Stephen have it as a favor.


    That was just James’ style.


    Sophie said earnestly, “I really was just paying apliment. You’re reading too much into it.”


    James frowned, seemingly gauging the sincerity of Sophie’s words.


    Indeed, with Sophie’s intellect, how could she possibly understand the future value of that property?


    James figured he was overthinking it. “Better be.”


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    He didn’t pay much attention to Sophie but instead took Nichole to meet other guests.


    As Nichole left, she nced at Sophie with a hint of apology in her eyes. Despite Nichole trying to


    mask it, Sophie could see a trace of smugness in Nichole’s look.


    Sophie tilted her head back and downed a ss of champagne.


    In the eyes of the onlookers, she was the woman who had her husband stolen from her, a pathetic


    figure.


    Her husband had not only left his newlywed wife to apany another woman but also introduced this


    woman to his business contacts. Was there a bigger joke than her presence here?


    Sophie was frustrated. She had nned to use this opportunity towork with some business


    tycoons, but with James walking away like that, it had be difficult to approach them.


    How could she make her way to these entrepreneurs without seeming too eager?


    Sophie scanned the room, and her eyesnded on a grand piano not too far away. A n formed in her


    mind as she smiled slightly.


    Sophie walked gracefully toward the piano and briefly greeted the pianist before taking a seat.


    As the daughter of the wealthy Russell family, she had been taught many skills, none of which she


    thought she’d use in her previous life, but now they were proving useful.


    It had been a long time since shest yed, and her fingers felt slightly stiff, but old habits die hard.


    Soon, the keys flowed under Sophie’s practiced hands, filling the banquet with melodious piano music


    that perfectly matched the atmosphere. Everyone was immersed in the unexpected performance.


    After the piece ended, apuse filled the room.


    Nichole saw James and the businessmen pause their conversation to watch Sophie, and she couldn’t


    help but say, “Sophie is so talented. She even ys the piano.”


    “She did reach Grade 10 in piano,” James said nonchntly.


    In their circle, many were skilled pianists, and reaching Grade 10 wasmon. Everyone appreciated


    good music, and the apuse was proof of Sophie’s musical prowess.


    James’ casual mention of her Grade 10achievement made Nichole realize the gap between herself and


    Sophie.


    She had thought Sophie was just lucky and beautiful but otherwise useless. Now, she realized how


    wrong


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    she was. And how spectacrly sol


    After Sophie finished ying, several high-societydies approach


    ar to chat. Although she couldn’t


    directly connect with the business tycoons themselves, getting to know their wives was a step closer to


    reaching them.


    “Didn’t expect Ms. Sophie to be so skilled. It’s quite impressive,” remarked Adler from a corner, leaning


    on the balcony railing.


    “It is good,” agreed Colby.


    “You are tone-deaf. What do you know about music?” Adler teased.


    “Nothing really, but I liked it.”


    He didn’t understand music, but because it was Sophie ying, it felt exceptionally different.