Chapter 188: Chapter 188

She was at the back of the crowd, a face of innocent beauty with features so lovely they stood out, a mix of gentle grace and cool allure that made her inexplicably stunning.

He couldn’t help but aim his camera at her, sneakily snapping a few photos.

Yolanda was sitting in the sixth row of the audience, sneakily checking her phone. It was half past nine in the morning, and Zachary still hadn’t shown up, nor had he messaged her.

Instead, it was Attlee who spotted a familiar old friend and went up to shake hands, all aglow, saying, “Leo Bright, what brings you here?”

“Attlee, your daughter came in second; congrats.” Leo Bright said with a grin, holding Attlee’s hand, “My daughter only came fifth.”

“Oh, come on, it’s not about the ranking; it’s about participating, and Yoli just got lucky, that’s all.” Attlee responded with polite chit–chat.

“Forget about my good–for–nothing kid; she’s had twelve years of piano, and she only gets fifth place.

Not like your Yoli, such a prodigy, easily bagging second place.”

Olga whispered to Yolanda beside her, “Where’s Zachary? Why hasn’t he shown up yet?”

Yolanda had called Zachary last night, but he said he would see if he had time today.

In the morning, Yolanda messaged him again; he said he was a bit busy and would see her later, and it was unclear whether he would come at all.

“It’s all his mother’s fault! She must be meddling in the background; Zachary was a good boy, so dedicated to you.” Olga got irritated just thinking about it: “Wait until you’re famous; that’ll make her regret!”

“Mom, don’t worry, I believe Zachary will come.”

“Send him another message; the award ceremony is about to start soon! He needs to see your shining moment!”

“Okay.” Yolanda, a little embarrassed, sent Zachary a picture of the scene.

[Zachary, I saved you a seat; if you’re busy and can’t make it, it’s okay.]

She even sent a kissing emoji.

On the other side, Zachary had already reached the theater entrance but hadn’t gotten out of the car.

He received Yolanda’s message but didn’t reply right away; his gaze was fixed forward, lost in thought.

“Has Zachary not replied yet?”

“Send him a few more messages; don’t be so brief. Be more enthusiastic; ask him if he’s busy first, then talk about the ceremony! Or send a few more affectionate emojis and say some sweet nothings to coax him over. Boys love it when girls act cute.”

“Ten minutes have passed and he hasn’t replied yet? Is your phone on silent? Is the signal here bad?

Check your phone again. Why don’t you go outside and call him?”

Yolanda, already frustrated, couldn’t stand her mother’s nagging anymore and got up, saying, “I’m going to the restroom.”

“Yoli.” Olga knew she was already stressed, but Zachary was such an outstanding figure–how many people would kill to be with him? Yoli had the upper hand; of course she should seize this opportunity!

She absolutely couldn’t let this opportunity slip!

“You shouldn’t be pushing Yoli anymore! We can’t always be groveling to others! Attlee was starting to get fed up.

“But if Zachary could come to the event, so many familiar faces here would be envious of us!”

Zachary’s status alone was enough to make people sit up and take notice of the Murphy family!

“Moreover, if Zachary comes, that means he still has feelings for Yoli! Otherwise, at such an important moment, if the fiancé doesn’t show up, how much affection do you think he still has for Yoli?”