Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

From James expression, you could tell he knew that this piece 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 a compliment. 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."

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

As Nichole left, she glanced 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 glass 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 accompany 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 planned to use this opportunity to network with some business tycoons, but with James walking away like that, it had become difficult to approach them.

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

Sophie scanned the room, and her eyes landed on a grand piano not too far away. A plan 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 she last played, 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, applause 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 plays the piano."

"She did reach Grade 10 in piano," James said nonchalantly.

In their circle, many were skilled pianists, and reaching Grade 10 was common. Everyone appreciated good music, and the applause was proof of Sophie's musical prowess.

James' casual mention of her Grade 10 achievement 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 she was. And how spectacularly so!

After Sophie finished playing, several high-society ladies approached her 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 playing, it felt exceptionally different.