Chapter 408 A Challenge to Bianca!
At the birthday party, Bianca saw Queenie chatting with a group of noblewomen.
Queenie's hair was tied into a bun, and she was wearing a deep blue embroidered evening gown. She was the epitome of
elegance as she chatted with her friends.
Frankly, Bianca had never seen another woman with a uniquely elegant air as Queenie Ziegler.
She carried the air of nobility, but she did not look arrogant. Instead, she seemed kind and gentle, though with a hint of authority.
Even though Queenie had traded barbs with her before because of Leia, Bianca could not get herself to hate the woman.
Instead, she somehow felt that the noblewoman looked familiar.
"You're so lucky, Mrs. Norman. Your grown-up daughter is both beautiful and talented!" "Yes! Ms. Norman is gentle, beautiful,
and knowledgeable. I wonder if she is currently seeing someone?" One of the extravagantly dressed noblewomen asked.
"You're too kind. Leia doesn't have a boyfriend yet. If you know anyone suitable, you can recommend them to my daughter,"
Queenie said gently.
Queenie knew that Leia was a stubborn girl.
Perhaps it was her first time falling in love, she thought that Luke was the only person she needed in her life.
Queenie was more experienced. She knew that men of Luke's caliber were rare, but Luke did not like her daughter one bit.
A marriage without love was pure agony. Leia would not find bliss even if she managed to marry Luke.
That was why Queenie wanted to take the opportunity to find a good match for Leia. She sincerely hoped that her daughter
would be happy.
Meanwhile, Leia was feeling dejected.
She did not know what Queenie was doing for her. Her love for Luke was like a mania. The more she could not get it, the more
obsessed she became.
She even thought that all the men in her birthday party did not add up to Luke's pinky finger.
Leia resented Queenie for helping her find a match among the partygoers. She thought that her mother did not give the best to
her because she was adopted.
Leia's eyes were brimming with negativity.
She was afraid that she might lose control of her temper, and so she quickly went to get some fruit punch to calm herself down.
When she lifted the glass, she saw Luke and Bianca in the reflection.
She put the glass away and turned to look at the man she loved. Luke was currently shielding Bianca as they walked among the
crowd. The scene had caused her anger to flare up once again.
Fires of anger burned within her. She was going to explode!
"Mrs. Norman." After Luke brought Bianca to greet Jack, they went in front of Queenie.
Queenie looked at Bianca, seemingly in a daze.
Bianca was dressed in a simple satin dress, and she put on light make-up. Her eyebrows were thin, her nose bridge was tall, and
her straight hair had been permed into a wave. As she looked at Queenie with a smile, her gaze was so animated that they
seemed to talk.
For a brief moment, Queenie thought that she saw her younger self in Bianca.
Then, she shook her head. That young lady was Leia's love rival. Why would she look like herself?
What a ridiculous thought.
Luke formally introduced Bianca to Queenie. "Mrs. Norman, this is Bianca Rayne. She is the mother of my two children, and she
will soon be my wife and my only partner in life."
Queenie was taken aback, but soon, a smile appeared on her face. "You don't have to emphasize that, Mr. Crawford. If you and
Ms. Rayne love each other, then I shall give you my best wishes. You can't force love, and I know that more than the two of you.
Ms. Rayne, I didn't mean those words that I said to you, and I hope that you will pardon any of my transgressions. Everyone here
is a guest. Make yourselves at home..."
Bianca was quite surprised.
Queenie's attitude toward her had improved by a lot. She knew that it might have been because of Luke's imposing demeanor,
but she did not think that Queenie, who doted upon her daughter, would change her attitude because of the man's protection.
Leia did not say anything, though a mixture of jealousy and sorrow was evident in her eyes. She did not even hear the young
ladies around her talking to her.
Luke's words replayed in her mind. "Bianca will soon be my wife and my only partner in life." 'Your only partner in life?' "Hah!"
Leia smiled mockingly.
'Are you so sure that Bianca Rayne will be your only partner in life, Luke Crawford? You don't even know if you'll get to marry
her!"
The birthday party officially started at half-past eight.
Leia, as the birthday girl, was dressed like a princess. She stood proudly next to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Norman.
On the table next to her was a twelve-tiered birthday cake.
Leia Norman, the darling of the Norman family, received the birthday wishes from those noblewomen and their sons. She was so
happy that she could fly.
After that, Leia performed a piano piece for everyone.
As the people cheered, she stepped onto the temporary stage, wearing white gloves. She sat in front of an exquisite piano.
Leia was quite nervous. She was even more nervous than the time she won an award. The man he loved was looking at her.
She calmed herself down and started playing.
Leia might not be a good actress, but she had certain talents in musical instruments. She performed "Swan Lake," her favorite
piece.
At the end of the piece, everyone clapped their hands and showered praises on the performer.
Luke hugged Bianca and sat in a corner. He poured a glass of warm milk for Bianca and a glass of red wine for himself.
"She's not bad," Bianca said objectively.
She did not know how to play the piano, but she was moved by Leia's interpretation of the piece.
Luke did not disagree. He tapped the tip of Bianca's nose and said, "Her skills are good, but she lacks soul. She might win an
award in a competition, but it'll be difficult for her to rise to the next level."
Bianca smiled but did not say anything.
'This man has so many talents. Don't tell me that he knows how to play the piano too!'
She thought that Luke's earlier comments made sense, and she wondered if he really knew how to play the piano.
Queenie was proud to have such a talented daughter. Leia humbly bowed to the audience and was showered with even more
applause.
Suddenly, Leia walked elegantly in front of Bianca in her white evening gown. "I've heard that you're a good piano player, Ms.
Rayne. Why not perform a piece for everyone?" She said gently.