Chapter 360
“What’s going on?”
“Yeah, seriously. How can she behave so rudely? Doesn’t she have any manners?”
Zoe Hoffman was indeed arrogant, unruly, and spoiled. The more she thought about Justin’s words, the more furious she
became. She did not care about the occasion and just wanted to throw a tantrum.
However, she was surrounded by Savrow’s upper society at the moment. Being a Hoffman, Zoe should not disregard her image.
Thus, she gritted her teeth, feigned composure, and coughed lightly. Then, she skillfully began to play Beethoven’s Symphony
No. 5 in C minor to ease the awkwardness.
Zoe was a top student at the Royal Academy of Music in Inalia. With her agile fingers, the piano piece flowed with delight, and
accompanying it was the release of her fluctuating emotions. The audience was immersed in the music, forgetting her earlier
gaffe. Bethany, holding her long gown, stormed back into the banquet hall. She returned to Shannon’s side. “Mom! Carrie is
here!”
Shannon was surprised. “What? Where?”
“I just saw her with Mr. Hoffman. He even patted her head and gave her his own jacket!”
Bethany’s eyes were bloodshot and were about to shed tears. “Mom, do you really think Carrie is a fool? She’s sharp, but she
pretends to be innocent to deceive us. She’s set her sights on Mr. Hoffman from the start! Why is she so despicable?!”
“You’re a fool. Did you throw away all the etiquette and ladylike qualities you learned in elementary school?” Shannon frowned,
discreetly pinching her. “Carrie is your sister! You’re both my daughters, so don’t speak ill of her in the future!”
Bethany was infuriated. Trembling with anger, she bit her lip and remained silent.
She felt that Shannon’s words were not necessarily in defense of Carrie but rather a refusal to admit she had given birth to an
autistic daughter.
“Mom, what should I do?” Bethany anxiously asked, clutching Shannon’s arm. “I finally got Bella to break up with Ryan, and now
my sister is coming to undermine me! He doesn’t like me much to begin with, and now there’s even less hope for me to marry
into the Hoffman family!”
“Don’t worry, Carrie won’t get in your way. I think you’ve misunderstood her. She wouldn’t have such intentions. Later, go call Ian
and ask him to quickly send someone to find Carrie and bring her back.” Shannon did not really see this as a serious matter.
After all, she had tight control over her daughters for so many years.
Carrie’s mental state made it challenging for her to marry well. However, Shannon was determined to present her in the best light
and find her a match from a higher social class. Ideally, this would also benefit Shannon, ensuring her efforts in raising her
seemingly foolish daughter were not in vain.
“Ms. Hoffman doesn’t seem to have a good temper,” Shannon remarked casually as she
watched Zoe passionately play the piano on stage.
“Mom, honestly, her temper stinks like a pile of crap!” Bethany, no longer pretending in front of her mother, whispered,
“Compared to Rosalind, she’s far worse. She’s like a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment!”
“Good,” Shannon said, as she gazed at Zoe on the stage with cold eyes.
“Good?” Bethany questioned. “What’s ‘good’ about this?”
“People with a strong temper and outward emotions tend to be less cunning. They’re easier to manipulate. Plus, Zoe only wants
to be Justin’s wife. She’s been pampered since she was young and lacks nothing. She has a simple mindset and is just a bit
possessive,” Shannon explained, coldly snorting. “On the other hand, someone like Rosalind, who sweet-talks you while
harboring deceit, is much harder to deal with.”
As Shannon spoke, the heavy doors of the banquet hall were pushed open.
Zoe was immersed in her own piano performance, completely unaware that the guests’ attention had shifted away from her
toward the entrance. Carrie, under the protection of Ryan’s bodyguards, walked in hesitantly with her head lowered.
“Oh, my! Who’s the petite lady beside Mr. Hoffman? Why have I never seen her before?” Some gossip-loving elite women
observed Carrie and murmured to each other.
“Probably a new love interest. After all, Mr. Hoffman changes women like he changes his clothes. I heard the longest a woman
stayed by his side was a month, and nobody has broken that record yet.’
“She’s quite pretty, but I remember Mr. Hoffman always prefers the sexy and glamorous type. She seems different from his usual
taste...”
“Personally, I think this girl is more beautiful than Zoe Hoffman on the stage and definitely better-looking than Bethany Salvador.
You men not only lack Mr. Hoffman’s wealth, but you also lack his taste. The lady by Mr. Hoffman’s side is a top-quality gem, not
some fake!”
“Now that I think about it, Mr. Hoffman’s taste in women is definitely much better than Mr. Salvador’s. This young lady looks quite
honest. She definitely won’t be cheating on Mr. Hoffman...”
Bethany, hearing the discussions about Ryan and Carrie, turned red in anger. Her gums even hurt from clenching her teeth too
hard. Meanwhile, Shannon’s expression had turned to disdain.