Chapter 720

“I see…” Penelope nodded and didn’t say anything else.

Meanwhile, Ashlyn returned to the piano competition venue and went straight backstage.

There were a couple of dressing rooms back there, and all the participants were inside getting styled by stylists. Some even brought their own personal stylists.

Charlotte sat on her seat obediently with a thin gauze covering her face. She only had simple eye makeup done with red lipstick on her lips.

Delight filled her eyes when she saw Ashlyn approaching. “Ashlyn.”

She figured it was rude to continue calling Ashlyn Ms. Berry after all the help she received from her.

“Hey, Lottie. How are you doing?” Ashlyn retrieved a necklace and fastened it over Charlottes’ fair neck. “It looks good on you.”

The necklace was fresh on the market, and was only released that day. Coincidentally, Ashlyn had just received a sample the day before. Thinking it might suit Charlotte, she brought one over.

Charlotte admired the cool necklace on her neck through the vanity mirror. Tiny diamonds were embellished along the chain with a star-shaped diamond pendant at the center, sparkling under the light’s reflection like a night sky full of stars. The beautiful jewelry had her eyes wide open as she exclaimed, “It’s stunning!”

“I’m glad that you like it.” Ashlyn chuckled. “I hope it can bring you good luck.”

Olivia, who sat not far away, had also made it into the finals.

Two of her friends were on her sides whispering, “That Penelope whose father got taken away is here too. Say, why do you think she’s here when she’s not even competing?”

“Well, she had tongues wagging after wearing the outfit from brand X. She’s strutting around like a peacock shaking its feathers open.”

“I heard a Count has reclaimed her into the family, effectively turning her into a socialite of nobility.”

“Oh right, I heard the president of the International Piano Association is here as a guest. Have you guys heard anything about that?”

Naturally, Olivia also noticed the ostentatious dress on Penelope.

She commented with contempt, “Penelope is nothing but a pauper that finally got the chance to show off now. But it doesn’t matter since the Berrys are still too far beneath to even compare to the standings of our families.”

“You’re right. She is just a nouveau-riche no matter where she goes. It’s disgusting. Only Hera and Jenny would lower their standards to hang around her.”

The three, Penelope, Jenny, and Hera, were vain and arrogant.

They might act low-key, but their deepest desires were to catch everyone’s attention.

That was why socialites like Olivia didn’t like hanging around them.

Hence the small group of posse she had.

“Let’s not talk about her. I’m losing my appetite.” Olivia lifted her brow and said, “I want to get a look at the president of the International Piano Association. I heard he’s a very talented man and a genius pianist ever since he was a child. I also heard that he was about to announce the heir that would be the next president. I wonder if that’s true.”

“The heir that would be the next president? Then, it must be Ryan, the Piano Prince, right?”

Penelope, Jenny, and Hera coincidentally overheard their conversation as they drew closer.

With a pause, Penelope intentionally flipped her hair. “Are you guys talking about Uncle Ryan? What about him? Is he about to become the president of the International Piano Association?”

With an exaggerated and embarrassed expression, she added, “He always keeps a low profile. Even I don’t know about this despite being his relative.”

Olivia couldn’t stand Penelope’s attitude and snapped, “Oh, we were just speculating, so it’s not even confirmed yet. We’re not sure if it’s your Uncle Ryan, so stop sticking feathers in your cap.”

Clenching her fist in anger, Penelope barked, “I’m telling Uncle Ryan to give you guys a low score.”

“Well, in order to do that, your Uncle Ryan will have to listen to you first,” Olivia mocked.

“Come on, forget about them, and let’s go.” Hera tugged on Penelope. “I still haven’t put on my makeup yet.”

“Don’t ruin Hera’s mood before the competition,” Jenny chipped in as she yanked Penelope too.

Hearing the women almost getting into a fight, Ashlyn opened her eyes and glanced in their direction, feeling a slight headache at the commotion.