Chapter 188 Where Did You Find This Idiot
Natalie instinctively looked up and, hearing Charlie's words, couldn't help but smile. Gabriel and Leo, watching from the second floor, noticed this. Gabriel's eyes darkened, and he immediately set down his wine glass and headed downstairs without hesitation.
"Gabriel, don't cause trouble," Leo quickly said.
Just then, the music downstairs stopped, and the performer on stage took a bow, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. As people began to disperse, Layla glanced at Natalie, smiled, and gave a knowing look.
Sensing something was off, Mia approached Natalie. "Is Layla up to something?" she asked.
Natalie shrugged it off with a smile. "If she wants to dig her own grave, let her."
Mia raised an eyebrow, confident that Natalie had it under control, and felt reassured.
Layla took the stage and said, "Hello, everyone, I'm Layla. It's an honor to be here today. Happy birthday to Mr. Walker."
The crowd cheered, and Charlie raised his glass in acknowledgment. The atmosphere was polite and harmonious.
As the applause died down, Layla spoke again, "Forgive my boldness, but I'd like to invite Ms. Clark to the stage to play a piece. Would Ms. Clark do us the honor?"
Regardless of Natalie's esteemed status, Layla felt indignant. So what if she was rich? Layla was also the daughter of a wealthy family in Veridonia. Why should she tolerate her? And thinking about how Yves was so warm to Natalie made her insanely jealous.
Natalie looked at Layla on stage with a faint smile. Where did she get the nerve to invite such an esteemed guest to perform? Did she think she could make her a mere entertainer? Did she still think Natalie wasn't as professional as her, trying to highlight her strengths by comparison? Did Layla want her to flee in embarrassment?
Charlie's smile stiffened, and he pointed at Layla, lowering his voice to speak to Johnson beside him, "Where did you find this idiot?"
Johnson looked embarrassed, cold sweat dripping. If he had known this third-rate singer was so tactless, he wouldn't have invited her!
Johnson answered, "Ms. Clark is of high status. Are you unwilling to play a piece for Mr. Walker? Or is it that you know nothing about the piano?"
Layla deliberately showed a look of sympathetic regret and surprise! But her eyes couldn't hide the joy and excitement of her success.
Charlie cursed under his breath, "Natalie, don't bother."
Just as he was about to intervene, Natalie grabbed his arm and glanced at Layla. She smiled, took a sip of juice, and handed the glass to a nearby waiter. With one hand lifting her dress, she walked up gracefully and elegantly.
Under the dazzling lights, Layla was overshadowed, becoming a mere background. Natalie stood there, radiant, as if surrounded by a soft halo, highlighting her fair skin and elegant demeanor.
Layla stiffened slightly, about to speak. Natalie suddenly reached out and took the microphone from her hand. Her expression was gentle yet firm. With cold eyes, she glanced at Layla's face. "Get off the stage."
From now on, Layla would never have the chance to stand on any stage again. Ignoring Layla, Natalie slightly turned and bowed politely to the audience before moving to the piano.
Everyone held their breath, somewhat surprised. No one had ever seen Natalie play the piano in a formal setting. All they knew about her was the sparse information released by the Clark Group, which made her appear mysterious and formidable.
She sat at the piano, and as soon as her hands touched the keys, a stream of fluid notes emerged, light and lively, filled with countless surprises.
The piece was an adaptation of Pachelbel's "Canon," flowing gently from her fingertips, with a smooth and orderly rhythm. It was beautiful and lively yet revealed Natalie's rich inner resilience. She infused the piece with her thoughts and soul, making it not just a song but a work of art, a different interpretation of her life. It represented her persistence, her endurance, her gentleness, and her transformation.
Without a solid foundation and extraordinary talent, how could she play such a soul-stirring piano piece? The most stunning moment was when Natalie sat there playing like a moving picture, so beautiful that no one wanted to break it. The only sound in the room was the piano on stage, everyone holding their breath, even their breathing becoming cautious.
As the piece ended, Natalie stood up, smiling slightly, and looked at Mia. Mia nodded and handed over the prepared gift. Natalie took it. Charlie's eyes were as gentle as water.
Natalie looked at him and took out the exquisite and precious Patek Philippe watch, each diamond on it sparkling brilliantly. She announced, "This piano piece is for everyone, and the watch is for Mr. Walker. This is my gift."
As soon as she finished speaking, a hand tightly grabbed Natalie's wrist. "Natalie,"a voice said.
