Chapter 131

Chapter 131 She’s a Bumpkin and Can’t Play the Piano

Chloe fell silent, finally realizing that this was yet another form of humiliation directed at her.

“No need. I’m not interested in you, and I don’t want your autograph,” Chloe said with a sweet smile on

her face. “By the way, my favorite celebrity is Aiden Knight.”

In an act of retaliation, she purposely brought up the name of his rival, fully aware of the impact it would

have.

As anticipated, Sebastian’s expression immediately turned grim. He let go of Chloe and sneered

sarcastically, “Well, you have terrible tastes then.”

Chloe shrugged with nonchalance, casually turning her head away to demonstrate her lack of interest

in getting into an argument with someone so uncivilized. Just then, Joseph returned. with Jane, who

shared an equally discontented look as Sebastian. Her eyes were red, hinting at an unpleasant incident

that had taken place.

Chloe furrowed her brow momentarily but swiftly eased her expression. She looked at Joseph and

asked, “When does the evening party begin?”

“Soon,” Joseph replied, his gaze fixed on her eyes. He then cast a glance at Sebastian nearby and

asked, “Did he bully you?”

“No…” As soon as she had finished speaking, she changed her mind and said, “Yes! He was talking

down to me.”

Joseph’s gaze locked onto Chloe, his voice cold as he said, “Would you like me to give him a taste of

his own medicine?”

“Yes.”

“Keep dreaming.”

A heavy silence enveloped Chloe as she cast her gaze downward, a bitter sadness etched upon her

face. Her long, delicately curled lashes quivered faintly, reflecting the turmoil in her heart. and the

overwhelming sense of disappointment she felt.

“But someone will,” Joseph said, pulling Chloe out of her own world.

Chloe’s curiosity was piqued, and she raised her head, asking, “Who?”

Joseph sneered, “The government.”

Tax evasion was considered a severe offense, one that could lead to significant consequences.

Just as the words left Joseph’s mouth, the host of tonight’s charity event approached, signaling the

official start of the auction.

Joseph made a symbolic bid on a desk ornament, which was quite ugly but exorbitantly priced.

“Time has flown by, and we find ourselves approaching the grand finale,” the host proclaimed with an

air of mystery from the stage. As the audience’s curiosity grew, two staff members appeared, carefully

carrying an object hidden beneath a cloth, its true nature concealed from view.

Holding the microphone in his hand, the host asked, “Let’s do a no-prize quiz. Anyone wants to take a

guess?”

“It’s a piano.”

“It’s a couch.”

“A drawing.”

“A piano.”

Chloe’s interest was piqued, and she observed for a few seconds before chiming in, “It does. resemble

a piano.”

As soon as she spoke, the host uncovered the item, revealing an extremely worn-out piano to the

audience’s eyes.

“It is a piano! However, as you can all see, this piano is neither valuable nor an artistic masterpiece.

Yet, its owner spent a remarkable twenty years working as a music teacher in the mountains using this

very piano. It has now retired with honor. The next part of the auction. involves playing a piece on this

piano, live on stage, with a starting bid of 700,000 dollars!”

As soon as the host had finished speaking, a bad feeling crept into Chloe’s heart.

At the very next moment, Jane turned her gaze toward her and asked, “Ms. Chloe must undoubtedly

possess a plethora of artistic talents and accomplishments to be chosen as Joseph’s wife. Surely,

playing the piano is a mere trifle for someone of your caliber, isn’t it?”

“I agree,” chimed Sebastian, “Everyone knows that Mr. Joseph has exceptionally hight standards when

it comes to his partner. He has broken the hearts of numerous socialites and aristocratic young ladies. I

heard that Ms. Chloe and Mr. Joseph registered their marriage not long after they met. She must

possess an extraordinary charm.”

Their comments caused all the guests to shift their attention to Chloe, and many nodded in agreement.

After all, it was widely known that Harold had introduced nearly every eligible unmarried woman in their

social circle to Joseph, but Joseph had rejected them all.

Now that Joseph had suddenly gotten married, it was inevitable that Chloe would become a subject of

public interest. However, playing the piano was not Chloe’s strong suit, not to mention that she had to

perform a piece valued at 700,000 dollars. She was sure that there would be great anticipation placed

upon her.

If she refused to perform, it would bring shame to Joseph, but if her performance fell short, it would

diminish the value of the 700,000 dollars.

It was truly a daunting challenge.

Seeing Chloe’s lack of response, one of the women sitting beside Jane intentionally raised her voice

and said, “I remember now. Ms. Chloe can’t play the piano. Let’s not make things

difficult for her.”

Doubt spread through the crowd and someone questioned, “Seriously? She doesn’t know how. to play

the piano? Not even one song?”

Everyone that was present tonight was raised in a privileged world and had been exposed to various

arts throughout their lives. Even if they were not particularly skilled, they possessed some proficiency in

different areas.

Jane covered her mouth and said, her voice thick with mockery, “It seems that Ms. Chloe never learned

how to play the piano. Her family doesn’t appear to be affluent.”

“Oh, I see… Then being able to marry Mr. Joseph is a tremendous stroke of luck.”

“It’s more like hitting the jackpot. Hahaha!”

Despite speaking in low or whispered voices, Chloe managed to catch snippets of their discussion as

the venue was not particularly spacious.

Joseph’s gaze turned sharp as a knife, sweeping over the backs of those who were gossiping, causing

a chill to run down their spines. Startled, they hastily sealed their mouths, their expressions filled with

fear.

“Are you afraid I’ll embarrass you?” Chloe asked as she tugged at Joseph’s sleeve.

Joseph furrowed his brow, casting a sidelong glance at Chloe, and said, “You don’t have to do anything

you don’t want to.”