"What''s wrong?" Serena''s fingers froze on the keyboard.


    Ruth replied, "The orchestra is performing at a hotel tonight, but the pianist had


    an


    emergency and can''t make it. We''re new to Javerton City and don''t have any local connections. Can you step in and fill the spot?"


    "I''m not that good at piano." Serena hesitated. She was much more confident with the violin.


    Ruth sounded like she was on the verge of tears. She reassured Serena that it wasn''t a formal performance. The focus was on fulfilling the contract rather than achieving perfection. Otherwise, the breach of contract fee would be hefty, and disappointing the audience would be


    even worse.


    Serena nced at the bid deadline. There was still plenty of time.


    After much consideration, she said, "Send me the location."


    "Thank you! Coffee is on me tomorrow!" Ruth eximed in relief.


    She quickly made arrangements for the performance and forwarded the ylist to Serena.


    Since Serena didn''t have a piano at home, she found a private music studio nearby to practice.


    That night, the hotel entrance was crowded with distinguished guests, and high- end cars were parked everywhere.


    Ruth''s orchestra was renowned and held a prestigious position on the international stage. The performance was an unnned homing event, attended exclusively by Javerton City''s prominent artists and business magnates.


    As soon as Serena finished practicing, she headed straight for the venue. Just as she got out of the car, she instantly spotted two familiar figures-Wendy, affectionately holding onto Zach''s


    arm.


    "I''ve always wanted to join the Luna Orchestra. I wonder if we could go backstage after the performance. Zach, if we get the chance to meet the orchestra director, could you put in a good word for m ''Before she could finish, Wendy noticed Serena walking past in a simple outfit.


    Her eyes swept over Serena''s violet dress, and she lifted her chin smugly. "It''s Luna Orchestra''s performance tonight, and you''re wearing something this in? it because you can''t afford better, or do you just not care about a world- renowned orchestra?"


    She then turned to Zach. "Zach, why don''t I help Serena pick out a dress now? That way, the three of us can watch the performance together.


    Hearing that, Serena came to a halt. She hadn''t intended to get into a conflict with them, but Wendy was practically asking for it. Shezily turned around and raised an eyebrow with a hint


    of disdain.


    "Are you two here enjoying music instead of getting married? So, is it that you don''t want to? Or is it because Mr. Foster Senior disapproves?"


    She smirked and continued, "And you still havent made it into the orchestra. Again, is it because you don''t want to? Or are you just not good enough?"


    Wendy was instantly rendered speechless.


    Just as Zach was about to defend Wendy, Serena''s eyesnded on him. "Save your words for when you''re in bed with her. You won''t even acknowledge her publicly, so don''t act all righteous now. Without a proper title, all you''re doing is making a fool of the Foster family."


    Zach was momentarily stunned. He was unprepared for how ruthless Serena''s words had be.


    He tried to collect himself, but he couldn''t help worrying that Serena''s in outfit would get


    her mocked at the entrance.


    Just as he was about to suggest taking her to change into something more suitable, a figure suddenly pounced on Serena''s back. "Babe, I''ve been waiting so long! Come on, let''s go in! You have the best seat tonight!"


    Serena staggered slightly before turning to see Ruth, beaming as always. Smiling, she hugged her back and walked inside with her, leaving Zachpletely forgotten.


    Noticing Ruth''s understated attire, Wendy assumed she was just another nobody. She bit her lip and muttered, "Best seat? With those cheap rags Serena is wearing? Who does she think she is?"