CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15: BLIND PERFORMANCE, SHE STUNS THE WHOLE AUDIENCE

Corinne Kensington was trembling with anger, but the last bit of rationality told her not to make a scene here. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions, "I don’t know what you’re talking about. I have something to attend to, so please excuse me."

"Don’t rush off yet." Vivi Sterling grabbed her wrist with considerable force, making Corinne wince in pain.

Vivi Sterling leaned in and whispered maliciously in her ear:

"Miss Kensington dressed up so beautifully today; aren’t you going to make an impression on Young Master Grant? I’ve heard that MC is looking for a new spokesperson, and their first choice is Sasha Marshall. If you don’t step up your game, that opportunity will fly away."

MC is now an international brand, a cosmetics line under The Grant Group.

Corinne Kensington’s heart tightened!

The Grant Group’s endorsement? Sasha Marshall?

If that woman snatches the endorsement, wouldn’t Corinne’s position in the fashion circle be jeopardized? More importantly, regarding the Grant Family...

Her face turned pale and then flushed as she forcefully shook off Vivi Sterling’s hand, glaring at her venomously without caring about maintaining her graceful façade as Best Actress. She hurriedly walked in a certain direction.

Watching Corinne Kensington flee, Vivi Sterling’s eyes flashed with a triumphant gleam.

She beckoned to a nearby waiter.

The waiter walked over respectfully at once.

Vivi Sterling whispered a few words in his ear, her expression relaxed as if she was merely giving an insignificant order.

The waiter listened carefully, without any extra expression on his face, and gave a barely noticeable nod when Vivi Sterling finished speaking.

Then he quietly retreated, blending into the crowd.

Only then did Vivi Sterling turn and return to Stella Grant’s side.

Stella Grant was sipping her juice in small sips, as if the commotion earlier had nothing to do with her.

"You angry?" Vivi Sterling sat down, winking at her.

Stella Grant smiled, her voice soft, "Are you underestimating me, or overestimating her?"

Vivi Sterling playfully tapped her shoulder, smiling cheekily.

"That champagne tower earlier must’ve been Corinne Kensington’s doing. It’s okay, I’m here. We have grievances to settle!"

Just then, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed, and the spotlight focused on the main stage.

The host spoke and invited Aiden Fordham onto the stage.

He had changed into a black suit, the wound on his hand wrapped in bandages, but it did not detract from his nobility. His deep-set eyes swept across the room with a faint smile.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen." His deep, magnetic voice resonated through the microphone throughout the hall.

"There was a small incident just now that startled everyone; I apologize for that."

He finished speaking and bowed.

The audience broke into warm applause to show understanding. An usherette brought forward red wine, and he reached for a glass.

"I thank everyone for taking the time to join us and celebrate together. Today is the fiftieth anniversary of the Fordham Group. Fifty years of trials and hardships wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s trust and support. It’s the most precious cornerstone on our path forward.

On this auspicious occasion, may we continue to join hands in tackling new journeys and creating more brilliance! Thank you all, a toast to you!"

Aiden Fordham’s speech was concise and powerful, lifting his glass in celebration, earning the room’s enthusiastic cheers.

After he left the stage, the host announced that the performance segment of the banquet was officially beginning.

The first program was none other than Corinne Kensington’s violin solo.

The spotlight brightened again as Corinne Kensington, now in a white evening dress, elegantly stepped onto the stage with her violin.

Admittedly, as a Best Actress, her stage presence was incredibly strong.

Every smile and every glance appropriately showcased her charm.

The melodious sound of the violin began, a technically intricate classical piece.

Corinne Kensington’s performance was smooth and precise, earning the admiration of many guests in attendance.

"Wow, I didn’t know Best Actress Kensington could play the violin so well!"

"Yes, indeed, she is truly versatile—beautiful and talented."

"At this level, she could hold a concert, right?"

"This Best Actress Kensington is the future Mrs. CEO of Fordham Group, indeed very outstanding."

Listening to the surrounding discussions and the gradually rising applause, the smile on Corinne Kensington’s face grew increasingly confident and proud.

The corner of her eyes even darted a subtle, provocative glance towards Stella Grant and Vivi Sterling.

Vivi Sterling curled her lip, softly grumbling to Stella Grant:

"What a pretense—playing like it’s wood sawing, yet fooling these laymen here."

After Corinne Kensington’s performance ended, the host, with an enthusiastic tone, introduced the next guest performer.

"Next, we are honored to welcome a heavyweight artist from F-Country! She is acclaimed as F-Country’s Nightingale, a singer of the highest caliber. Let’s give a warm welcome to Ms. Marianne!"

The room erupted into even more intense applause and gasps of astonishment.

Ms. Marianne’s name is renowned internationally; she only performs in national theatres and never accepts private invitations.

Being able to invite her to the celebration speaks volumes about the Fordham Family’s power and connections.

A full-figured, elegant woman stepped onto the stage.

She wore a sophisticated dark gown, her face graced by a kind smile, addressing everyone with a couple of fluent French phrases.

Even the simplest words carried a lyrical quality, and then she signaled for the music to begin, preparing to sing.

The prelude played, and Marianne closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then slowly began to sing.

"Ah..."

Even with just a simple syllable, it seemed infused with magic, capturing everyone’s ears instantly.

Marianne’s voice was powerful, clear, and piercing, seemingly able to reach the deepest parts of a person’s soul.

Everyone was stunned by Marianne’s singing, the entire hall was silent.

That heavenly melody echoed throughout the banquet hall.

Initially proud of her own violin performance, Corinne Kensington’s expression changed instantly upon hearing Marianne’s voice.

This plump woman, unexpectedly so formidable?

No way, she absolutely couldn’t let this woman steal her limelight!

A vicious glint flashed in Corinne Kensington’s eyes.

Just as Marianne’s singing reached its peak, suddenly, the lights in the banquet hall went out.

The entire scene plunged into darkness; emergency lights came on.

Music abruptly stopped, as did Marianne’s singing.

"Ah—"

The hall rang with cries of surprise and screams, turning into a sudden chaos.

"What happened? Was there a power outage?"

"What’s going on?"

"Could something be wrong?"

The crowd was filled with speculation, alarmed and uneasy.

Corinne Kensington’s lips curled into a barely noticeable sneer.

Amidst the panic, suddenly, a melodious piano tune began in the darkness.

The piano’s sound was crystal-clear, bright, like a mountain stream, quickly soothing the crowd’s flustered emotions.

The restless crowd gradually quieted down.

Everyone held their breath, quietly listening to this unexpected piano music.

The piano music was gentle, soft, tinged with faint sadness, yet full of hope and strength.

As if in the darkness, guiding people forward.

Next, that ethereal, clear voice slowly rose again, intertwining with the piano music, blending perfectly, harmoniously as one.

On the piano flowed an accompaniment that melded with Marianne’s song; everyone was once again captivated by the song and piano, immersed in the atmosphere the music created.

Forgetting the darkness, forgetting the unease, all that remained was endless emotion and amazement.

The lights gradually restored.

To their amazement, the audience discovered that onstage, sitting before a white grand piano, fingers dancing deftly on the black and white keys, was—Stella Grant!

At this moment, she was like the goddess of the moon, pure and beautiful.

Even more astonishing, Stella Grant was surprisingly playing the piano with her eyes closed!

Her slender fingers nimbly leapt across the keys, each note flawlessly executed.

Every melody was stirring, as if she was not just playing the piano, but singing with her soul.

Blind playing!

It was blind playing!

Everyone was dumbfounded by Stella Grant’s piano performance, almost unable to believe their eyes.

Aiden Fordham’s pupils constricted with shock, too.