Chapter 421
Wendy continued, “Later, it was your mom who settled the matter privately with money. Only then did the girl finally leave. But if we dig up the past now, it will only make it seem like John had paid for her silence.”
Sharon had experienced online outrage before. She knew that in a one-sided media storm like this, no amount of explanation would matter without solid evidence.
John sat slumped on the sofa, silent and defeated.
Sharon exchanged a glance with Wendy.
Something like this could break a person. John had done the right thing, and yet was met with nothing but ruin.
Wendy glanced at John and said softly, “That family has been blackmailing him for a while now, coming up with all sorts of excuses. This time, they got the money but didn’t leave. Instead, they went public with it.”
She paused. “I have a feeling this was premeditated. Someone’s deliberately targeting him.”
Sharon’s lashes fluttered slightly, and a name flashed through her mind.
“Maybe it’s Carter,” she said. “At the Maestro Warner music exchange event, Carter said some strange things to John.”
She turned to John. “This is what you’ve been hiding from me, isn’t it?”
John kept his head down, his long bangs veiling his eyes, concealing whatever emotions stirred beneath.
He gave a vague sound of agreement.
Sharon’s fists clenched. “What a vile, despicable man.”
Wendy, equally furious, cursed Carter under her breath before saying, “We can’t stay silent. Saying nothing is the same as admitting guilt. If this isn’t handled well, it won’t just impact the concert. It could lead to full-blown boycotts.”
John rasped out, “Then I’ll drop out. I don’t want to drag you all down.”
Sharon reassured him gently, “Don’t give up yet. We’re not at a dead end.”
She turned to Wendy.
“If that woman is so confident the child is his, then let’s publicly request a paternity test. That will clear everything up.”
Wendy’s eyes lit up. “That’s a great idea! If the results prove otherwise, they won’t be able to smear his name anymore.”
Sharon thought for a moment and added, “John’s a public figure. It wouldn’t be wise for him to argue with them online. Wendy, create an account and confront them from there. Since they came prepared, let’s fight back with equal force.”
A slow smile spread across Wendy’s face. “Sharon, do you have a plan?”
Sharon nodded slightly. “Let that video from today keep spreading. The more viral, the better. Let the whole world believe John’s refusing to acknowledge a child.”
Wendy caught on instantly. “Once the paternity test results are out, their lies will collapse on their own!”
Her eyes sparkled. “You’re brilliant, Sharon. No time to waste. I’ll set up the account now.”
As she finished creating the account, something struck her.
“Oh, right. Sharon, whatever you do, don’t speak up for John. If this really is Carter’s doing, he’s probably waiting for you to walk right into the trap. He wants to use this to drag down your reputation.”
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Sharon was about to reply when Wendy’s phone suddenly rang.
“Wendy,” the voice on the other end said apologetically, “due to John’s recent scandal, he’s now classified as a
We’ve just received notice from above-the concert is officially canceled.”
“Disgraced artist? Are you kidding me?!” Wendy’s eyes widened. “The news about John hasn’t even been verified. How can you cancel our concert based on that?!”
The voice on the other end responded, “It’s only a temporary cancellation. If you can prove that John has nothing to do with the scandal, the concert will proceed as planned.”
Wendy was furious. “They’re the ones slandering us! They should be the ones providing evidence! You’re basing this decision on a few edited clips. Don’t you think that’s incredibly reckless?”
There was an awkward cough from the other end. “Well… this is an order from above. We’re just following instructions.”
Wendy was about to argue further, but Sharon gently placed a hand on her arm, giving her a slight shake of the head.
Wendy knew she was right-arguing wouldn’t help. She was just too angry to let it go.
At this point, their only option was to follow Sharon’s plan: confront the accuser publicly, then push for a paternity test. 1
But just as Wendy was locked in an online battle with the so-called whistleblower, another problem cropped up at the studio.
Someone had leaked John’s studio address.
Soon, a wave of unhinged netizens began sending funeral wreaths, creepy dolls, and other disturbing items.
Worse still, a crowd had gathered outside the building, demanding answers from John.
It was Casey’s first official day on the job, and when she saw the mob outside the studio, she was so startled she immediately
called Sharon.
After hearing what happened, Sharon said, “Go home for now. Wendy has already secured a new studio. Once we’ve cleaned it up in a couple of days, you can come back.”
“Okay.”
Casey had just hung up and was about to leave when a tall, sharp-featured figure suddenly blocked her path.
“Casey, I finally found you.”
Casey looked up and her face went pale. (1
“Damien?!”
In just two days, Wendy’s relentless confrontation with the accuser had pushed the scandal’s visibility to its peak.
Time was of the essence. If John’s name wasn’t cleared quickly, the concert might never happen.
And if his reputation was ruined, who would buy a ticket anyway?
Soon, Wendy publicly issued a challenge: they would do a paternity test.
The other party suddenly went silent on X.
The once one-sided tide of public opinion began to shift.
John still had many fans. While some abandoned him in the wake of the scandal, his loyal supporters stood their ground.
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Unfortunately, those who did voice their support
sarcasm and ridicule, silencing even the most reasonable voices.
Now, John’s bold decision to face the accusations head-on showed he had nothing to hide.
Still, skeptics chimed in, “Yeah, the last person who said that ended up in jail.”
After a day of radio silence, the accuser finally responded publicly, agreeing to a paternity test.
Everyone knew what refusal would have implied.
Wendy stared at the response, thrilled. “Sharon, this could be the turning point!”
But Sharon didn’t share her excitement. Instead, she frowned.
Wendy’s smile faded. “Sharon? What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?”
“No,” Sharon replied with a soft sigh. “I just hope I’m overthinking it.” 1
With everything going on lately, Sharon had accidentally caught a cold. After making dinner for Matty that evening, she realized she was running a fever.
Not wanting to risk passing it on, she immediately called Xavier.
“Xavier, I’ve come down with a bit of a cold. Could you take Matty home with you for a few days?”
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On the other end of the line, Xavier’s deep, magnetic voice came through.
“Sharon, are you dealing with some problems lately?”
Sharon replied, “Yeah, it’s about John, but it hasn’t reached an unmanageable point yet.”
Xavier said, “If it ever does, remember-you can come to me anytime.”
“I will.”
After hanging up, a glass of warm water was suddenly held out to her.
“Sharon, have some water.”
Matty spoke like a little adult. “Dad says drinking warm water helps you recover faster when you have a cold.”
Sharon accepted the glass with a soft smile. Her heart warmed.
“Thank you.”
Moments later, the doorbell rang. Just as Sharon was about to get up, Matty stepped in front of her.
“That’s probably Dad. Sharon, lie down and rest. I’ll get the door.”
Seeing how thoughtful he was, Sharon didn’t argue.
Sure enough, when the door opened, it was Xavier standing there.
Matty lowered his voice and said, “Dad, Sharon has a fever. Did you bring any medicine?”
Xavier glanced at him sideways. “Of course I did. I’m not that clueless.”
Only then did Matty nod in relief.
Sharon’s face was noticeably pale, her features drawn with fatigue. Xavier’s gaze swept across the room and landed on the digital thermometer on the coffee table.
He picked it up and scanned her forehead.
39.2°C.
His expression tightened. The casual air he usually carried was gone, replaced by quiet concern.
“Sharon, your fever’s pretty high. You need to go to the hospital right away.”
Just as she was about to respond, her phone rang.
She looked at the screen. It was Wendy.
She answered immediately.
“Sharon, I’ve messed up…” Wendy’s voice on the other end was weak and dejected.
Sharon’s expression changed. “Wendy, what happened?”
“I found someone with connections. They said there might still be a way to negotiate for the concert venue, so I went to the club where we agreed to meet. But a few drunk rich kids were there too, and they insisted I drink with them. I refused, and they started getting handsy. They surrounded me. I couldn’t take it anymore and smashed a bottle over one of their heads…”
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Even through the phone, Sharon could hear the chaos behind her.
“You filthy bitch! How dare you hurt Quentin? Do you have any idea who his father is?! Not even the goddamn king can save you
now!”
Sharon asked urgently, “Where are you now?”
Wendy gave her an address.
“Try to stay calm. I’m coming right away.”
Sharon hung up and stood to leave.
But Xavier blocked her path, watching her swaying figure that looked like it could collapse at any moment.
“Sharon, where do you think you’re going?”
She took a few steps before the dizziness hit. The room spun. It took everything she had not to black out.
“Something happened to Wendy. I have to go.
“1
Xavier grabbed her wrist. Her skin was burning hot.
“You really think you’re fit to go anywhere in your condition?”
The sudden strain drained even more color from her face.
Xavier looked down at her, his voice low and firm. “Sharon, be honest. Do you think you can even make it past your front door?”
“But I can’t just leave Wendy alone.” She inhaled deeply, bracing herself. “If I don’t go now, she could be in serious danger.”
He was silent for a moment, then said, “I’ll go with you.”
Sharon glanced at Matty. “And what about Matty?”
“I’ll have the driver take him home.”
Matty looked up at her understandingly. “Sharon, don’t worry about me. I’ll go home with the driver. It’s okay.”
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Chapter 424
Sharon finally relented.
Once she got into Xavier’s car, she gave him Wendy’s location and shut her eyes.
Her head was spinning, her body drained of strength. Leaning against the seat, she drifted into a deep, feverish sleep.
She didn’t know how much time had passed before someone gently shook her awake.
“Sharon, wake up.”
Sharon struggled to open her eyes. For a brief moment, her mind went blank, unable to register where she was.
Then it all came rushing back-Wendy was in trouble.
“We’re here?” she asked hoarsely, fumbling with the seatbelt and pushing the door open.
The moment her feet touched the ground, her knees buckled. She nearly collapsed.
Xavier reached out just in time to steady her.
“Sharon, can you walk?” Xavier’s usually warm and playful eyes were filled with rare concern. “Why don’t you stay in the car and let me handle this?”
In her current state, a slight breeze might be enough to knock her out.
“I’m fine,” Sharon murmured, eyes shut, forcing herself to steady her breath. “I just need a minute.”
A minute later, she reopened her eyes.
“Let’s go.”
By the time they reached the private room, Wendy had already been pinned to the corner by a few bodyguards.
Her cheeks were swollen and red-clearly, she’d been slapped more than once.
Inside, a group of young, arrogant socialites stood around. One of them, his head wrapped in a white bandage, glared at Wendy with murderous intent.
“I heard you called for backup? Let’s see who dares to take you out of here tonight!”
Just as the words left his mouth, the door swung open.
A pale-faced woman and a strikingly handsome man walked in.
The moment the young man-Quentin Driad-saw Sharon, his eyes lit up with unrestrained desire.
“Wow… she’s even prettier than this chick.”
A wicked grin curled on his lips as he ogled her like a predator sizing up fresh prey.
Quentin was notoriously lecherous. Whenever he saw a beautiful woman, he’d stop at nothing to make her his.
Earlier, when he spotted Wendy in the hallway, he had dragged her in without hesitation.
The Driad family was one of the most powerful in Amstern City. With the family always cleaning up after him, Quentin had long
gotten bolder and bolder.
As he silently plotted how to get this new beauty into his grasp, he suddenly felt an icy, threatening gaze pierce through him.
From the moment Sharon entered, Quentin’s entire focus had been on her. He hadn’t even noticed the man walking in beside
her.
Annoyed by the distraction, he turned to see who dared interfere with his fun and immediately locked eyes with Xavier.
He froze. His eyes widened in disbelief.
“Xavier… Mr. Cooper?!”
At the sight of Xavier, a visible shiver ran through him.
“Mr. Cooper, what… what brings you here?”
Xavier gave him a cold glance. “Why? Am I not welcome?”
All of Quentin’s earlier arrogance vanished in an instant. He shot up from the couch, panicked and deferential.
“Of course not! It’s an honor to have you here, truly. Please, take a seat!”
Xavier’s tone was languid. “No need. I’m just here to pick someone up.”
Everyone in the room was with Quentin, so it was obvious who Xavier had come for.
Quentin’s expression turned stiff. He stammered, “M-Mr. Cooper… I didn’t realize this lady was your friend. I sincerely apologize if I’ve offended her in any way.”
He turned to his bodyguards and barked, “What are you standing there for? Let her go!”
The bodyguards didn’t dare delay. They quickly released Wendy.
She was in a wretched state. She covered her reddened cheek with one hand. Her voice was low and ashamed.
“Sorry, Sharon… I’ve caused you trouble again.”
In today’s society, men like Quentin, who acted like bandits and thugs, were rare.
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Wendy had encountered her share of inappropriate advances before, but never something like this. It was no different from being dragged off the street for being a girl.
Sharon gently comforted her. “Wendy, it’s over now.”
Xavier looked at Quentin with a half-smile. “Quentin, did you really have to make the poor girl cry?”
Quentin knew he had messed up big time.
With a loud thud, he dropped to his knees and began slapping himself across the face.
“Mr. Cooper, I was wrong! I’m sorry! I swear I won’t ever do it again!”
He didn’t hold back. Each slap landed hard and fast, and in mere moments, his face was swollen.
Worried that Xavier might still be angry, he grabbed a bottle from the coffee table and smashed it against his own head.
Glass shards flew everywhere, but no one dared stop him.
The private room fell utterly silent, save for the sound of the bottle shattering.
Even Wendy was stunned by the scene.
Only after Quentin knocked himself unconscious did Xavier finally look away. He turned to Sharon.
“We’ve got who we came for. Shall we go?”
Sharon nodded.
Outside the entertainment club, Sharon turned to Xavier and said quietly, “Xavier, thank you for tonight.”
Xavier smiled. “What are friends for? No need to be so formal.”
Sharon knew that without Xavier, she never could have walked into that situation completely unprepared and come out
unscathed.
He glanced at the time. “Let’s go. I’ll take you to the hospital first.”
Knowing Sharon had come despite a high fever only made Wendy feel even more guilty.
“Sharon, I’m sorry. I acted on impulse.”
Sharon gave a small smile. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Why apologize? You were just protecting yourself. And besides…”
A chill flickered in Sharon’s eyes like rippling water.
“This may not have been some random misfortune. It might have been… intentional.”
Wendy’s breath caught. She seemed to understand.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital.
Wendy accompanied Sharon while she got an IV drip.
Sharon turned to Xavier and said, “Xavier, I’m sorry to trouble you so late. It’s quite late, and Matty is still waiting at home. You should get some rest.”
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But Xavier didn’t leave. “Matty’s already asleep at this hour. It’s not like I lie down with him. Whether I go home or not now doesn’t make a difference.”
Then he turned to Wendy. “I’m going to get something to eat. Wendy, is there anything you’d like?”
Wendy understood immediately-Xavier was clearly planning to stay with Sharon.
They were fairly familiar with each other, and Wendy didn’t decline.
She smiled. “Just a coffee for me, thanks.”
“Alright.” Xavier nodded. “You stay here and keep Sharon company. I’ll be right back.”
The night had grown deep and quiet.
Getting an IV was dull work, and Sharon, burning with fever, soon drifted off to sleep on the hospital bed.
For some reason, she dreamed of her time in the Kalen family.
Since leaving, she had rarely dreamed about them.
Even though she had stayed with the Kalens for over three years, those years had never made her feel like she belonged.
She never developed any affection for her father or the three older brothers.
Back then, her mother had told her she had a biological father and three older brothers. Sharon had been filled with excitement and hope.
She also knew she had a half-sister.
She had anticipated that this half-sister of hers wouldn’t like her.
What she hadn’t expected was that, on the very first day she returned to the Kalen household, the ones who put her in her place
were her three brothers.
Her third brother, Scott-always cold and taciturn-didn’t mince words when she stepped through the door. He looked her dead in the eye and said, “Victoria is my only sister.”
Chapter 426
Scott’s remark was swiftly met with stern reprimands from both their father and eldest brother, Rick.
But when she turned to Rick-normally the serious, composed one-his expression was just as cold as before.
“I hope you’ll know your place,” he said. “Victoria is our biological relative, not some imposter. The grudges of the previous generation shouldn’t be passed down to us. I expect you to adjust your mindset accordingly. The Kalen family isn’t large. I don’t want any rumors spreading about discord among kin.”
As someone born into a prestigious family, Rick had seen his fair share of scandals-illegitimate children, fake heiresses, family feuds. In order to preserve the family’s image and avoid public ridicule, he made his stance clear from the start. Richard chuckled and tried to smooth things over. “Rick, you’re being too serious. It’s only Jenna’s first day home. You’re going to scare her off. As for rules and propriety, we can teach her slowly. A few days won’t make a difference.”
Then her second brother, Silas, who had been silent until now, chimed in. “I actually agree with Rick. It’s better to make these things clear to Jenna now, rather than let her step out of line and embarrass our family. If she really causes a scandal, no decent family’s son will want to marry her.” 1
It wasn’t hard to read between the lines. To them, her return to the Kalen family was nothing more than a way to “add polish”- a bid to increase her value on the marriage market.
After all, the Kalens were one of the most elite families in the country.
At the time, Sharon had been young and naïve. She never imagined that the familial love she had longed for would come in such a bitter package.
She had assumed that since she and her three brothers shared the same mother, they would at least treat her with some warmth.
But not only were they entirely unmoved by her return, they outright rejected her.
As for Victoria, she never showed any hostility toward Sharon… but neither did she show any affection. 1
The family never asked them to act like close sisters. Everyone understood the truth behind the arrangement, and maintaining a facade of civility was enough.
Still, Sharon could feel it-the subtle shift in the household dynamic brought on by her presence.
She had been given a room identical to Victoria’s, and all her food, clothing, and daily needs were provided according to the standard of a high-society heiress.
Whatever Victoria had, so did she.
The Kalen family made sure not to slight either one of them just because of her arrival.
It was fair-so fair, in fact, that it left no room for criticism.
And yet, something always felt… missing.
For a long time after that, she and Victoria maintained a polite but distant relationship.
Even so, the overall atmosphere in the house remained strained.
Scott practically never spoke to her. Even when she greeted him first, he would ignore her completely.
Silas had a harsh tongue, but at least he meant well. He would acknowledge her when they crossed paths and never treated her with open hostility.
As for Rick, he was rarely home. Their encounters were few, and when they did meet, he would only exchange a few obligatory
words before moving on.
Then there was her father, Richard.
He was the only one who showed her genuine warmth-checking in on her, showing concern, often sharing stories about the past and her mother.
One day, Richard asked, “Jenna, have you ever thought about bringing your mother back here?”
Sharon hesitated, but still replied, “I’ve mentioned it to her before, but…”
Richard’s eyes lit up. “Did she have any conditions? Tell me! If it’s something I can do, I’ll make it happen!”
Sharon hadn’t intended to say anything at all. But Richard was not the only person in the family who treated her kindly. He was also her biological father.
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Sharon hesitated for a moment but still answered, “Mom said that if you’re willing to cut ties with Victoria, she’ll come back.”
The smile on Richard’s face gradually faded. He frowned. “At her age, how can your mother still be so unreasonable?”
Sharon clearly remembered what her mother had told her. “If your father or those three brothers of yours ever ask why I haven’t come back, just tell them-if they’re willing to sever all ties with Victoria, I’ll return and resume my place as Mrs. Kalen.”
Now, hearing Richard dismiss her mother as “unreasonable,” Sharon felt her heart sink.
Before she returned to the Kalen family, her mother had laid everything bare for her. Among everyone entangled in this mess, her mother had suffered the most. And yet Richard still blamed her for being immature.
Just as Sharon was about to respond, Scott barged into the room.
He shot her a cold, hostile glare. “Sharon, you’re really something. You’d even use our mother to drive Victoria out.”
Scott had been against her since the day she returned, and Sharon no longer bothered to play nice.
She snapped, “If you think I’m that manipulative, why don’t you go ask Mom yourself?”
“You think I haven’t tried?” Scott’s voice rose with fury. “She refuses to see me! Don’t pretend this isn’t your doing!”
Sharon’s voice turned icy. “If I really had that much influence over her, don’t you think I would’ve already convinced her to come home?”
Scott was rendered speechless.
Richard stepped in to break the tension. “Enough, both of you. If she doesn’t want to come back, so be it. Give it some time. She’ll come back once she starts missing Jenna.”
With Richard putting an end to the argument, neither Sharon nor Scott said another word.
From that day forward, she and Scott barely spoke.
Later, word spread that Cole-the fiancé who had been betrothed to Victoria since childhood-had returned after hearing about
Jenna’s return.
Though he occasionally made sarcastic remarks, he was far more cunning than Nate.
Victoria was a year older than Sharon. She planned to get into business school and join the family company after graduation. She had a natural talent for business.
But Richard insisted she study music instead.
When that happened, people said it was Sharon who had manipulated Richard behind the scenes.
Suddenly, she became the scheming vixen who twisted with jealousy toward Victoria.
At first, her father and eldest brother didn’t buy into it. But over time, constant manipulation took its toll. Eventually, even they began to believe the narrative.
And Cole? He orchestrated an elaborate ruse for Victoria’s sake.
First, he pretended to break things off with Victoria. Then he came to Sharon with apologies, claiming he had misjudged her.
He began showing her relentless kindness and attention. It took him an entire year to win her trust. Only to use that trust to stage a cruel, unforgettable betrayal…
“Sharon… wake up.”
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Sharon stirred, her lashes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes.
The first thing she saw was a handsome, devil-may-care face.
“Xavier…”
“You looked like you were having a nightmare,” he said gently.
He reached out and touched her forehead. Her fever had gone down. Relieved, he poured her a glass of water.
Sharon’s body was drenched in sweat, her throat dry and burning like fire.
She took the glass and murmured, “Thank you.”
When she turned to look out the window, she noticed the sky had already begun to lighten.
“Xavier… did you stay here at the hospital all night?”
Chapter 428
Xavier’s gaze was deep and steady. “Matty was worried about you. He wouldn’t stop saying how uneasy he felt and wanted to come see you last night. I happen to be on leave and have nothing urgent going on, so I figured I’d look after you on his behalf.”
After finishing the water, Sharon’s throat no longer felt like it was burning. She spoke softly, “Thank you, Xavier. And… for what you did last night, thank you again.”
Xavier gave a casual wave of his hand. “You’ve already said that plenty of times last night.”
She paused. “Sorry… My head was spinning so badly, I can’t remember much of what happened.”
He looked at her intently. “Sharon, you don’t have to be so strong all the time. Matty and I are more than willing to help you.
And you don’t need to worry about owing us anything. Our relationship isn’t so distant that it needs to be calculated in favors.”
His eyes locked onto hers. They were like a deep, still lake, capable of drawing a person’s soul into its depths.
Sharon’s breath caught in her throat. Instinctively, she looked away from him.
Just then, the door to the hospital room swung open.
“Xavier, I brought you some breakfa-”
Before she could finish, Wendy spotted Sharon sitting up.
“You’re awake?” she said in surprise and delight.
She rushed to the bedside and felt Sharon’s forehead. Confirming her fever had broken, she finally let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank goodness. Luckily, we brought you here in time.”
Wendy had also brought breakfast for her.
Once the three of them finished eating, Sharon finally managed to persuade Xavier to leave.
After he left, she turned to Wendy. “How’s John doing?”
“Everything’s moving according to plan. We should get the results no later than the day after tomorrow. Oh, by the way…”
Wendy looked at her with some hesitation. “Did Julliard… pass along any messages to you?”
“No.” Sharon shook her head. “Carter isn’t like Nate. He’s not the type to let things slip easily. It’s possible he didn’t mention anything at all.”
Wendy lowered her voice. “Should we ask Julliard to help investigate?”
Sharon thought for a moment, then gave a faint nod. “Okay. I’ll call him.”
With what had just happened to John-and Wendy’s close call the night before-the timing felt far too suspicious. It was hard not to suspect something more was going on.
Even if it meant owing someone a favor, if it involved Wendy and John, she’d take that risk.
Sharon called Julliard directly.
The phone rang only twice before he answered.
“Sharon.” His voice was as warm and calm as always. “What’s up? Did something happen?”
Sharon quickly gave him a brief rundown of everything that had occurred.
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“I want you to help me look into whether Carter was behind this-and if so, what his next move might be.”
“Of course,” Julliard replied without hesitation. “I’ll let you know the moment I hear anything.”
Sharon was genuinely touched. “Thank you, Julliard.”
His voice was low and gentle. “There’s no need to thank me.”
She knew full well that Carter was exceptionally shrewd. Even if Julliard wanted to help, he couldn’t just call Carter up and ask outright. He would need to wait for the right opportunity-one where Carter wouldn’t suspect a thing.
To her surprise, Julliard called back the very next afternoon.
“Sharon, are you free tonight?”
She immediately sensed he had found something.
“Yes,” she answered quickly. “I’m free.”
Julliard chuckled. “Then let’s meet at our usual spot.”
Chapter 429
“Okay.”
Sharon arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes early.
But to her surprise, Julliard was already there, waiting.
She walked over. “When did you get here?”
Julliard’s deep gaze fell on her face. With a gentle smile, he stood and pulled out the chair for her.
“Not long ago.”
After placing their orders, Sharon couldn’t hold back any longer. “Julliard, about John…”
The moment she brought it up, Julliard’s expression darkened slightly with concern.
He gave a faint nod. “Yes… Carter did it.”
Sharon didn’t show the slightest trace of surprise.
Julliard poured her a glass of water and said, “I used a business collaboration as a pretext to meet with him today. From what I gathered, he wants you to give up the studio. And he hasn’t let go of the idea of having you compose for Kelly.”
Sharon let out a cold laugh. “And if I refuse? After targeting John and Wendy, what does he plan to do to me next?”
Julliard’s tone turned grave. “Sharon, Carter will stop at nothing when it comes to Kelly. It’s just a studio. While your wings haven’t fully spread, don’t confront him head-on.”
Sharon tightened her grip on the glass in her hand.
She gave a bitter smile. “I don’t even dare to use the name ‘Star’ lightly… and now he wants me to hype it up just to promote his precious muse?”
At that moment, her phone rang.
Wendy’s panicked voice spilled through the line.
“Carter, that shameless bastard-he bribed the testing facility! They just released the paternity results online… It’s been confirmed. They’re biologically related!”
Sharon felt as if her heart had plunged into a bottomless abyss.
The glass slipped from her hand and shattered against the floor with a crisp, piercing crack.
She closed her eyes and forced down the rising storm within.
“I understand,” she said calmly, her voice flat and emotionless-so calm it made Wendy feel inexplicably uneasy.
“Sharon, are… are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Sharon replied in a quiet, distant tone. “I’ll handle it.”
Before Wendy could say more, Sharon ended the call.
Julliard, alarmed by how pale she looked, leaned in. “Sharon, what happened?”
Sharon let out a soft, bitter laugh. “You were right. Carter really is capable of anything for Kelly.”
Her face was far too pale, which made the darkness and resolve in her eyes all the more striking.
For some reason, a strange and indescribable emotion rose in Julliard’s chest.
“Sharon, don’t do anything rash.”
“I won’t,” she said with a faint smile, her expression already composed again. “I’m going to speak to Carter tomorrow.”
Julliard still looked uneasy. “What time? I’ll go with you.”
Sharon didn’t object. “Once I confirm with him, I’ll let you know.”
The rest of the meal passed quietly.
She didn’t bring up Carter again, nor did she mention John.
It was the calm before the storm.
Later that night, Sharon called Carter.
He picked up after just a few rings.
“Changed your mind?” His deep, calm voice was unhurried, like he’d been expecting her call.
Sharon’s tone was icy. “How could I not figure out your motives after everything you’ve done for Kelly’s future?”
“Good that you understand,” he replied.
Chapter 430
Carter had always been this way-too proud to lie, and so brazenly honest it bordered on shameless.
Sharon was silent for a few seconds before she finally spoke.
“I’ll give you the studio. But right now, I need you to take down the trending topic about John. Track down the people who leaked the story and issue a public clarification for John.”
Carter paused for a moment. “Alright.”
Sharon continued, “As for the composing matter, I want to speak with you face-to-face tomorrow.”
“Fine.”
After ending the call, Wendy looked at her anxiously. “Sharon, are you really going to negotiate with Carter?”
She knew better than anyone how ruthless Carter could be-he chewed people up and spat out nothing but bones. Trying to negotiate with someone like him was rarely a fair fight.
Sharon replied lightly, “Don’t worry. I won’t let myself get the short end of the stick that easily.”
But despite Sharon’s calm expression, unease gnawed at Wendy. She knew Sharon too well. She wasn’t someone who would compromise so easily. It felt like… she was planning something.
Wendy was overwhelmed with frustration and anxiety. As the one most unwilling to swallow this injustice, even she didn’t want to keep fighting anymore. She knew perfectly well that people like Carter weren’t ones you could afford to offend.
If this had been anyone else trying to buy the studio-someone other than Carter-Wendy might have happily agreed. After all, netting a million in profit was no small deal. Even after subtracting rent and renovation costs, they’d still walk away with over a million in earnings.
But the one trying to take it was Carter-and for Kelly, the other woman. That alone made her blood boil.
Wendy knew that, as a professional agent, she shouldn’t let her emotions cloud her judgment.
- But she was also Sharon’s best friend.
If she didn’t take Sharon’s side, who else would?
Still, no matter how unwilling they were, the truth was undeniable. They couldn’t win against Carter. They had neither the leverage nor the connections. They couldn’t even count on help from their own families.
Sharon had come this far entirely on her own.
Yes, Xavier had helped them more than once. But when it came to critical moments, Sharon had to rely on herself.
Just like now, she could ask Julliard to help gather information, and she could let Xavier step in to rescue her. But she could never ask Xavier to go to war for her against Carter.
Helping and going to war were two very different things.
Why would Xavier risk his entire company’s future just for Sharon?
If those two empires truly clashed, the fallout would be well over tens of billions.
And by then, Sharon’s debt to him wouldn’t just be a matter of favors-it would be something she could never repay.
Only family-real family-would help without calculating the cost.
As for Sharon’s family…
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There was no point even bringing them up.
“Sharon, maybe we should just give them the studio,” Wendy said at last. “They’re offering two million. After deducting rent and renovations, we’ll still net over one million. It’s not a loss.”
Sharon gently patted her shoulder in reassurance. “Don’t worry. I won’t put myself in danger. Besides, Julliard will be going with me. He’ll help.”
At the mention of Julliard, Wendy finally felt somewhat relieved.
“Okay. But if anything goes wrong, promise you’ll call me immediately.”
Sharon nodded lightly.
The next day, Sharon arrived at the Biggs Group.
As soon as she stepped into the building, she ran into Carter’s secretary, Peggy.
The moment Peggy saw her, her brows furrowed.
“Sharon, what are you doing here?”
Sharon’s voice was calm. “I’m here to see Carter.”
A flash of contempt flickered in Peggy’s eyes. Her tone turned cold.
“Sharon, Mr. Biggs is already divorced from you. Please stop bothering him. Would you like to leave on your own, or should I have security escort you out?”
Chapter 431
Sharon’s expression remained calm and indifferent. “Carter was the one who told me to come.”
Peggy scoffed, her smile full of condescension, like she was watching a clown perform.
“Apologies, Sharon. I haven’t received any notice from Mr. Biggs.”
With that, she turned to the nearby security guards and ordered, “Well? What are you waiting for? Escort this irrelevant woman
out.”
At her command, the two guards approached Sharon with intimidating force.
Sharon shot Peggy a frosty glance. “Arrogance and personal bias are hardly professional qualities for a CEO’s secretary. Peggy, you’ll pay the price for your actions today.”
Peggy curled her lips into a dismissive smirk, clearly unmoved.
Sharon didn’t bother saying more. She turned to leave.
Peggy had been with Biggs Group for years, rising from an ordinary secretary to the CEO’s personal assistant. Her professional competence was undeniable, but she had always despised Sharon.
Like Nate, Peggy believed Sharon was utterly undeserving of Carter. She treated her with icy disdain, never once offering a shred
of respect.
Just then, a soft voice drifted in from the doorway.
“What’s going on here?”
Peggy turned, and the frost on her face instantly melted away.
With a smile of polite warmth, she greeted, “Kelly, are you here to see Mr. Biggs?”
“Yes,” Kelly replied with a gentle nod. “Carter asked me to stop by. What’s happening here?”
Peggy gave Sharon a disdainful glance. “Mr. Biggs made it clear he didn’t want to see Sharon. Last time she showed up here uninvited, the front desk and security nearly got fired. She’s here again today to cause trouble, so I had no choice but to ask her
to leave.”
Nate, standing nearby, let out a sneering laugh. “If someone’s that shameless, why not just put up a sign at the door? ‘No Entry for Sharon and Dogs.””
“Nate!” Kelly quickly cut him off. “Don’t say things like that.”
He cast Sharon a look of mocking disdain. “Relax, I was only joking.”
Kelly glanced at Sharon and sighed softly. Then she turned to Peggy. “I do know Sharon. Let’s give her a bit of dignity and let her leave on her own.”
Peggy hesitated. “But Mr. Biggs specifically instructed…” 1
“It’s alright,” Kelly said with a soft smile. “I’ll explain everything to Carter. He won’t blame you.”
Hearing that, Peggy’s expression finally relaxed.
“Alright, we’ll do as Kelly says,” she said, then turned to the guards. “You’re dismissed.”
The two guards stepped away.
Nate gave Sharon a sidelong glance and sneered, “Sharon, Kelly just saved your hide. Aren’t you even going to say thank you?”
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Sharon responded with a faint smile. “Nate, aren’t you currently out on bail? If you slip up again, no matter how skilled your lawyer is, I doubt even he’ll be able to keep you out of jail. Instead of wasting time loitering here with Kelly, maybe you should be thinking about how to offer us a satisfactory settlement and earn our forgiveness.”
Nate’s face twisted with fury. “Sharon, you-
“Enough, Nate,” Kelly interjected, tugging on his arm. “Carter is still waiting. Let’s go.”
Only then did Nate withdraw his glare, huffing coldly.
Once inside the elevator, the two began chatting about STAR.
Nate remarked, “Carter really is something. He even managed to get STAR, the most elusive and in-demand figure in the industry, to work for you. And you keep saying he’s changed. Honestly, I think he’s treating you better than ever.”
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Chapter 432
At Nate’s words, a faint blush crept onto Kelly’s face.
“I didn’t think Carter would actually manage to get STAR.”
“Well, now you can stop overthinking things, can’t you?”
Nate paused, then smiled smugly. “Did you see what a mess Sharon looked like downstairs? Carter won’t even let her set foot inside Biggs Group. And you? You didn’t even need to check in-just went straight up. That’s the difference.”
The elevator soon arrived at its destination.
The two stepped into Carter’s office. Nate, never one to miss a chance to diss Sharon, wasted no time.
“Carter, we just ran into Sharon downstairs. Peggy said you explicitly ordered that she be barred from Biggs Group, and that anyone who let her in would be fired.
“But Sharon wouldn’t listen. She tried to force her way in. Peggy had no choice but to call security. Fortunately, Kelly and I arrived just in time.”
“Kelly, being soft-hearted, tried to speak up for Sharon, but Sharon wasn’t the least bit grateful. She even mocked us…”
At that, Carter’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Sharon came here?”
“She did,” Nate confirmed. “Peggy mentioned how last time, you nearly fired the front desk and security for letting her in. She was so scared, she didn’t even dare let Sharon stay a minute longer…”
Before he could finish, Carter turned toward the door.
“Simon,” he called out, “go downstairs and bring Sharon up.”
Both Nate and Kelly froze in place, exchanging puzzled glances.
Roughly ten minutes later, someone knocked at the office door.
Simon entered with an awkward expression. “Mr. Biggs, Sharon… has already left.”
Half an hour later, Peggy appeared before Sharon, her face dark with frustration. 1
“Sharon, Mr. Biggs… requests that you return.”
So she hadn’t been lying after all. She really did have an appointment with Carter.
Sharon didn’t even look up from her phone as she scrolled through the news. “Tell Carter I’m busy right now. I don’t have the time,”
At that moment, Sharon sat leisurely in a café, looking anything but busy.
Peggy could tell she was deliberately making things difficult. Biting her lower lip, she lowered her voice and said, “Sharon, I apologize. I was wrong earlier… I hope you’ll be the bigger person and not hold it against me.”
Sharon took a slow sip of her coffee, calmly watching Peggy try to swallow her pride.
“You’re in no position to negotiate with me,” she said coolly. “If Carter wants me back, he should come ask me himself. After all, it’s his responsibility to manage his staff properly.”
Peggy stared at her, stunned.
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Carter had already shown great regard by sending her to apologize and invite Sharon back. And yet, Sharon wasn’t taking the olive branch. Instead, she was acting high and mighty?
Who did she think she was?
But Sharon seemed not to notice the shock on Peggy’s face. She returned to scrolling through her phone, unbothered.
Carter really was efficient-search results about John were already dropping off the trending page. The paid trolls online had noticeably quieted down.
Peggy opened her mouth to urge her to reconsider and not to push things too far. But the moment she looked into Sharon’s eyes, she realized-this woman was no longer the same as before.
From the moment she turned and walked away without hesitation, to the way she now spoke so brazenly, Sharon had become someone who wouldn’t be pushed around so easily.
Left with no choice, Peggy swallowed her pride and returned to report to Carter.
“Mr. Biggs, I’ve already apologized to Sharon, but she refused to come back. She said you’ll have to personally invite her.”
As she spoke, a trace of resentment crept into Peggy’s tone.
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Chapter 433
Carter’s brows furrowed slightly. “Send me her location. I’ll go to her myself.”
An hour later, Carter finally brought Sharon back.
He instructed Simon, “Have the front desk and the security staff submit their resignations.”
“Yes, sir.” Simon was just about to leave when a calm, cool voice cut through the air.
“Is it necessary to take your anger out on innocent employees?” Sharon’s eyes held a faint trace of a smile, but it never reached their depths. “Wasn’t it your own order that I was not to be allowed into Biggs Group? They were simply following instructions… weren’t they, Peggy?”
Peggy stood frozen, her face pale, unable to utter a word.
The last time Sharon had tried to see Carter, he had personally issued the order banning her from entering. And just now, he had never informed Peggy that Sharon would be coming.
Strictly speaking, her actions weren’t entirely wrong; just her attitude had been lacking.
After a brief pause, Carter spoke up, “Pass down the message. From now on, if Sharon comes, notify me first.” 1
“Yes, sir,” Simon replied and turned to leave, but Sharon stopped him.
“That won’t be necessary,” she said evenly, her tone devoid of any emotion. “I won’t be coming to Biggs Group again.”
When Kelly had arrived earlier, the front desk hadn’t even asked for confirmation before letting her in.
But Carter had always held a double standard between her and Kelly.
Sharon was used to it.
Watching this exchange, Nate scoffed inwardly. He couldn’t resist muttering under his breath, “So dramatic.”
Though not loud, his voice was clear enough for all to hear.
Sharon turned toward him. “What did you say?”
Nate sneered. “Am I wrong? If you knew Biggs Group didn’t want you here, couldn’t you have given Carter a heads-up beforehand so he could make arrangements? But no-you left in a huff, and he had to personally go fetch you. How grand of you.
Sharon arched an eyebrow. “So what you’re saying is, after being unceremoniously thrown out, I should’ve clung to the gates of Biggs Group like a stray, just to prove I’m not dramatic?”
She gave him a faint smile. “That’s not dramatic, Nate. That’s just pathetic. And if I remember correctly, weren’t you the one who suggested putting up a sign out front that read ‘No Entry for Sharon and Dogs’?”
Carter cast Nate a cold glance. “Nate, it seems you still haven’t learned your lesson.”
Nate’s expression stiffened.
Kelly quickly stepped in to explain, “Carter, Nate was just joking…”
Carter’s tone remained indifferent. “Maybe keeping him in jail a little longer would do you both some good.”
Tears welled in Kelly’s eyes. “Carter… while I was abroad, it was Nate who kept me going. Without him, I might’ve never made it
back alive.”
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Chapter 433
She looked at Carter pleadingly, her voice trembling. “Please… just give him one more chance.”
Wiping the corners of her eyes, she turned to Nate. “Nate, apologize to Sharon. Now,”
Though visibly resentful, Nate didn’t dare show even a trace of defiance under Carter’s gaze.
Forcing the words through clenched teeth, he muttered, “Sharon, I’m sorry.”
Sharon watched silently, unmoved.
She knew perfectly well that Carter’s words hadn’t been for her sake. He was merely using the situation to put Nate in his place.
After all, Nate had always been a genuine liability.
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Chapter 434
If it hadn’t been for Nate’s constant interference, Sharon would’ve never had a fair chance to negotiate with Carter-he would’ve crushed her long ago.
In that sense, she really ought to thank Nate.
Sharon leaned back against the sofa with her eyes closed, wearing an air of detachment, as if the entire situation had nothing to
do with her.
Carter cast a cold glance at Peggy.
Peggy stepped forward and gave Sharon a deep bow. “Sharon, I’m sorry.”
Sharon remained silent. While Nate didn’t seem too affected, Peggy was still frozen in that bow, her entire body trembling from the growing humiliation. Her face turned a deep shade of red.
Sharon sneered inwardly.
It was just an apology. Watching her like this, one might think she’d been forced into something utterly degrading.
Carter never expected Sharon to respond. He said flatly, “That’s enough. Let’s leave it at that.”
Peggy bit her lip, her expression a mix of shame and anger.
Nate scoffed and slouched back down on the sofa.
Carter looked at Sharon. “Since everyone’s here, let’s move on to the matter of our collaboration.”
“Collaboration?” Kelly had been so distracted by everything that had happened, she was caught off guard. “What collaboration?
11
Carter’s voice was calm and deep. “You’ve been looking for Star, haven’t you? Well, I’ve found her.”
Kelly instinctively responded, “I know you’ve located Star, but… what does that have to do with Sharon—”
She suddenly stopped mid-sentence, her eyes flying open in disbelief as she turned to Sharon.
“You’re… Star?”
Nate also stared at Sharon in stunned silence.
Sharon opened her eyes and said coolly, “I’m willing to compose a song for Kelly-but not under the name ‘Star.’ As for the studio, you can have it. One price. Ten million. No bargaining.”
She looked at Carter. “Carter, you should remember, my studio was always priced at ten million.”
Nate snapped out of his shock and blurted out, “Without Star’s name attached, there are countless famous and talented composers in the world. Why would we choose you?”
Sharon’s gaze turned frosty. “That’s a question you should be asking Carter, not me.’
Nate opened his mouth to speak again, but recalling Carter’s earlier warning, he swallowed his words.
Still, he muttered under his breath, “Carter, the reason we wanted Star to compose for Kelly was for the credibility her name brings. Without that, any composer would’ve sufficed.”
He shot a sideways glance at Sharon, barely concealing his disdain.
“Someone as obscure as Sharon can’t possibly bring any real value to Kelly’s performance.” 1
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For once, Nate actually made a valid point. His logic, though unpleasant, was hard to refute.
Carter stared at Sharon, his dark eyes as bottomless as ink.
“You know exactly why I wanted Star.”
Sharon met his gaze. “Yes. You want the nationwide recognition that comes with the name.”
“But since you’re a businessman, Carter, I’m sure you understand-credibility matters more than money. Some things can be hyped. Others simply shouldn’t be. Even if you offered me a hundred million, I wouldn’t agree.”
Nate scoffed. “If you had no intention of agreeing, then why come here at all?”
Sharon’s voice was cool and clear. “You should ask Carter that. He knows better than anyone what he’s done to the people around me for Kelly’s sake.” (1)
Nate exchanged a look with Kelly, both recalling what had happened recently with John.
When that news broke, Nate had even laughed, saying karma had finally caught up with Sharon.
Chapter 435
So it was Carter who had gone after John.
Makes sense. With Sharon harder to target directly, hitting someone close to her was a convenient way to send a warning-and it also served as a form of revenge on Kelly’s behalf.
Suppressing the flicker of delight in her eyes, Kelly murmured softly, “Carter… If it’s so difficult for Sharon, maybe we should just drop it?”
Sharon let out a light laugh. “If he were truly willing to drop it, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to force my hand.”
Carter glanced at her, his expression dark and unreadable, “Sharon, you should know you’re in no position to negotiate with me right now.”
At that, Sharon stood up without hesitation. “Fine. If you think I’m not qualified to negotiate, then I’ll leave. You can go find someone who is.”
She walked toward the door. There wasn’t a hint of reluctance in her retreat.
Everyone in the room was stunned.
If John had really been targeted by Carter, then Sharon’s visit today-offering to give up the studio and even compose a piece for Kelly-was clearly a gesture of goodwill, a plea for mercy on John’s behalf.
By all logic, she should’ve been humble, maybe even begging.
But instead… she acted like this?
Sharon had just opened the door and was about to step out when Carter suddenly stood up and grabbed her wrist.
He stared into her eyes. “Don’t you care what happens to John?”
Sharon let out a cold chuckle. “Carter, I remember you once told me-when asking for a favor, one should act like they’re
asking.
. “You came to me for help, and when I didn’t agree, you resorted to vile, underhanded tactics to pressure me into submission.
“You really think that’s going to break me? That I’ll grovel and let you do whatever you please?”
Her tone was calm, almost amused, but her eyes were icy, like spring water running over stone-cold, detached, sharp.
“Yes, I admit my bond with John is deep. That’s why I came today. But if you think that gives you the right to use him against me, to control and manipulate me, then I’m afraid you’ve miscalculated.
“John matters to me, but not so much that I’d abandon everything for his sake. You can keep trying to come after me. I may not be able to defeat you, but I can take a bite out of you.”
Nate, now knowing what had happened to John was indeed Carter’s doing, suddenly felt emboldened. (2)
He’d come here expecting to watch Sharon fall apart-disgraced, humiliated. Instead, she remained defiant, arrogant even.
He couldn’t stand it.
“Sharon,” he snapped, “John’s future is in our hands! You’d better show some respect when you speak to us, or—”
Sharon cut him off coldly, “You know what kind of people are usually the first to be eliminated?”
Before he could respond, she smiled and answered her own question. “The ones who think they’ve got someone by the throat and try to use it as leverage. Those people die the fastest.”
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Chapter 435
Nate froze, caught off guard.
Before he could come up with a retort, Carter spoke, “That’s enough. Both of you.”
Surprisingly, he didn’t seem the least bit angered by Sharon’s words. In fact, he almost looked… pleased.
He said evenly, “Sharon, I’ll give you ten minutes. Convince me.”
With those words, Carter signaled a concession.
Sharon glanced at Nate and Kelly, whose expressions looked as if they’d just swallowed something vile, and then calmly returned to her seat.
Carter had never intended to push things to the brink. His goal had always been the studio and the concert, for Kelly’s sake.
Now that Sharon was already here, he clearly had no intention of burning bridges.
And just moments ago…
Chapter 436
He was merely testing her limits.
Had she shown the slightest sign of backing down, Carter would have pushed even harder.
Sharon didn’t waste another word. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of sheet music and a small portable player.
“These are my original compositions,” she said calmly. “Kelly and Carter, feel free to review them before deciding whether to accept my proposal.”
Kelly accepted the sheets and began flipping through them attentively.
It only took her a few moments before she looked up at Sharon, eyes flickering with surprise.
As someone trained in music-and not without talent-Kelly could clearly recognize the quality of the compositions in front of
her.
Sharon continued, “I won’t use the name ‘Star’ to hype anyone up, especially not under someone with a reputation like Kelly’s. That’s out of the question.
“To be perfectly honest, the amount Carter is offering, I might very well earn that in time. It’s not exactly tempting.”
“Of course,” she added, a faint smile playing at her lips, “if Carter can offer a number that makes it worth risking my entire reputation, I might consider it. I did the math. That number would have to start in the ten-figure range.”
Ten figures.
No rational person would agree to such a price. Not even Carter. Not even Nate would shell out billions just to secure an exclusive composer for the woman he adored. (1
Even if he had the money, he’d never spend it that way.
Sharon went on, unfazed. “Kelly, if you like any of these, feel free to choose one. But if you’re insisting on using Star for publicity
She looked directly at Carter.
“Then I’m afraid-even if you kill me-I won’t agree.
Carter gave her a long look, then pressed play on the music player.
A delicate violin melody flowed through the room, soft yet powerful, filling the space with quiet resonance.
The office fell into complete silence.
Even Peggy and Simon-neither of whom had any real understanding of music-found themselves drawn in, quietly captivated by the sound.
No one knew how much time had passed before the final note faded away.
Carter’s expression remained unreadable, his handsome features betraying neither approval nor displeasure.
He turned to Kelly. “Kelly, what do you think?”
Kelly hesitated for a moment before replying, “Sharon’s music is truly stunning. But what I need isn’t just a brilliant composer. I need one who can quickly boost visibility and generate buzz.”
Sharon responded evenly, “To be honest, Kelly, given your current situation, stirring up more buzz might do more harm than
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good. Even with Star’s name attached, the public won’t accept you.”
Nate finally lost his temper. His face twisted in anger as he snapped, “Sharon! You keep taking veiled shots at Kelly’s reputation. What exactly are you trying to say?!”
But Sharon’s tone remained calm, devoid of emotion or personal judgment.
“I’m simply stating the facts. I have to make a living too. If I could profit from this, who wouldn’t want to?”
“And honestly, Nate, do you really believe Kelly’s current reputation would allow her to hire someone like Star? I imagine none of you would want rumors circulating that she only landed Star thanks to a wealthy backer.”
She paused, then turned her gaze toward Carter, her smile laced with mockery.
“Or… are you planning to go public with our divorce?” (1
Industry insiders already knew about her and Carter. But for the public, that was an entirely different matter.
Carter hadn’t made the divorce public-not for the sake of their son, Theo-but to avoid any potential stock volatility or giving
his competitors an opening.
His gaze darkened.
“You’re very persuasive.’
Sharon’s smile deepened slightly. “I’m not the one convincing you-the facts are.”
Carter was quiet for a few seconds, then gave a slow nod. “Fine. I’ll agree. But you’ll need to provide Kelly with at least three original compositions.”
Sharon didn’t even blink. “Deal.”
Kelly and Nate’s expressions changed instantly. They spoke at the same time.
“Carter!”
Carter’s voice was cool and steady. “She’s right. Kelly, there’s been too much attention on you lately. It’s not the right time to be
in the spotlight.”
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Chapter 437
“Are you saying you want Kelly to rise to fame through controversy?” Nate refused to back down. “If popularity is no longer a concern, then any composer will do. It doesn’t have to be Sharon.”
Carter ignored him and turned to Kelly instead.
“Kelly, if Sharon could rise to fame under the name Star, then she’s just as capable of making a name for herself now. You know better than I do how good her compositions are. Of course, if you insist on replacing her, I won’t stop you.”
Kelly had begun reviewing the sheet music with a critical, even biased eye. And yet-though she didn’t want to admit it—she had to concede that Sharon’s music was original, vibrant, and refreshingly different from the formulaic works of most
established composers.
It was no wonder Star had gained so much recognition.
From a professional musician’s perspective, every one of these songs had the potential to go viral.
Her thoughts settled quickly, and she made her decision. “You’re right, Carter. Sharon’s original work is exceptional. Let’s go
with her.”
As she spoke, she shot Nate a look, silently urging him not to push back.
Seeing that she’d accepted it, Nate reluctantly fell silent.
With both parties on the same page, they soon moved on to discussing the details.
Sharon said calmly, “I’ve recorded our entire conversation today. If any of my original compositions are leaked, I will pursue legal action.”
Nate sneered, his tone laced with sarcasm. “Who knows if you’re just a fraud, stealing someone else’s work?”
He still couldn’t accept that Sharon was Star.
Back when she competed against foreign talents, he had supported Star, even bragged about her.
Who would’ve thought she was actually the person he despised the most?
Sharon’s voice turned cold. “If I had plagiarized, it would’ve come to light the moment I gained fame, not now. But if Carter has concerns about this, I’m happy to void the agreement altogether.”
She paused and added evenly, “Every original piece I’ve written is stored on my computer with a full creation timeline. I have nothing to fear from baseless accusations.”
Her eyes fell meaningfully on Nate. “If any of these unreleased works get leaked after today, the suspects will be obvious.”
Nate’s sharp mind came to a crashing halt. He had considered using this angle against her, only to have Sharon preemptively shut it down.
Carter said, “Simon, draft the contract.”
Simon nodded and left the room.
Carter’s gaze shifted to Peggy, who stood silently nearby. As their eyes met, unease flickered across her face.
His tone was indifferent. “Peggy, as the CEO’s secretary, you shouldn’t be making such amateur mistakes. Do you realize how much of my time you’ve wasted?”
Peggy bowed her head, murmuring, “I’m sorry.”
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Chapter 437
Carter’s voice deepened. “Starting today, you’re reassigned to a branch office for a year of reassessment.”
Peggy’s head snapped up, her face filled with disbelief. “Mr. Biggs, 1-”
He cut her off. “Of course, you’re free to submit your resignation instead.”
Pale and shaken, Peggy fell silent.
Kelly opened her mouth, wanting to plead on her behalf. But the moment she met Sharon’s faintly smiling eyes, a chill ran down her spine, and she swallowed her words.
Simon left to prepare the contract, and Peggy left like a dazed ghost.
Just then, Sharon stepped up to Carter. “Oh, and one more thing.”
Carter was just about to ask what it was when a flash of silver caught the corner of his eye.
Before he could react, a gleaming blade plunged deep into his abdomen.
Chapter 438
The air froze in an instant.
Then Kelly finally broke the silence with a piercing scream. “Ahhh! Murder! She stabbed him!”
Nate jolted out of his stupor and rushed toward Carter, instinctively wanting to check on his condition.
But Kelly clutched his arm tightly. “Nate, I’m scared…”
At this moment, Sharon did look terrifying, like a cold-blooded assassin.
Seeing her like that, Nate hesitated. He was genuinely afraid she might lose control and go after Kelly next.
Carter had been caught off guard-otherwise, Sharon never would’ve gotten that close. (1
Staring at the blade embedded in his abdomen, Carter’s pupils shrank. His voice was hoarse, tinged with disbelief and pain.” Why? Sharon, did you really want me dead?”
Sharon’s long lashes trembled like butterfly wings. Her complexion was deathly pale, almost translucent, like a piece of white paper. The hand gripping the knife trembled slightly-this was, after all, her first time doing something like this.
And yet, her eyes remained steady, unyielding, and fearless.
“Didn’t you say last time,” she said, “that you’d give me a chance to get revenge? Well, I’m using that chance now. The only question is, are you still willing to keep your word?”
Carter’s lips curled faintly, his voice low and raspy. “If you hate me this much… why not go straight for the heart?”
“Then I’d be a murderer,” Sharon replied with an emotionless smile. “Relax. Even if I hate you, I wouldn’t kill you. Murder
comes with consequences.”
Perhaps the commotion was too loud, because just then the office doors burst open.
Julliard stormed in, eyes scanning the room-until he caught sight of the scene before him. His expression shifted drastically. ” Sharon! Are you hurt?!”
Nate, seeing Julliard arrive, wasted no time shouting, “Julliard! Quick, restrain that crazy woman! She stabbed Carter!”
Julliard’s gaze flickered, realization dawning. He had arrived over forty minutes earlier than scheduled. Clearly, Sharon hadn’t wanted him to show up too soon.
She had planned this.
He walked over to her side, just as he opened his mouth to speak, Carter cut in, “Julliard, this is between me and Sharon. Stay out of it.”
Julliard paused, his wary gaze fixed on Carter. He looked ready to step in if anything else happened.
Sharon knew all too well that her strike had only succeeded because she caught him off guard. There’d be no second chance.
Slowly, she loosened her grip on the handle.
Carter, for his part, made no move to retaliate.
Julliard let out a barely perceptible sigh of relief.
Carter was quickly rushed to the hospital.
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Sharon went with him. After all, the contract hadn’t been signed yet.
Nate, now fully recovered from the shock, pointed a trembling finger at her and exploded.
“Sharon! Aren’t you always preaching about the law? Well, I’ve already called the police! You stabbed Carter. Just wait, you’re going to prison!”
Kelly, too, had snapped out of her fear. The look she gave Sharon was one of naked disgust and hatred.
“Sharon, Carter will never let you off for this!”
Sharon met her glare with a calm, almost smug smile. “No. You’re wrong. Carter won’t do a thing to me.”
Kelly’s breath hitched, her face a mix of disbelief and confusion. “What… what did you just say?”
“If you don’t believe me,” Sharon said, “why don’t we make a bet?”
Before Kelly could respond, Julliard stepped in at just the right moment. “Let’s not argue. Carter is still in surgery. Whatever needs to be said can wait until he wakes up.”
Nate glared daggers at Sharon, his expression twisted with fury. But beneath the rage, there was a gleam of excitement in his
eyes.
After all, he had finally caught Sharon red-handed.
Chapter 439
“When Carter wakes up, Sharon will be long gone!” Nate protested.
Julliard tried to reason with him. “Before he was taken into surgery, Carter said to wait until he regained consciousness before handling this matter. Nate, don’t act on impulse. Let’s follow his wishes.”
Nate jabbed a finger at Sharon, roaring furiously, “She nearly killed Carter! There’s no way he’ll let her go. Rather than letting her hang around and be an eyesore, we might as well send her to jail now. Let her get a taste of prison life!”
Lately, Sharon had been flawless in everything she did. Nate hadn’t managed to gain the slightest advantage over her, which only made him grind his teeth in resentment, yet he had no way to retaliate.
Now that he finally had something to use against her, how could he possibly let it go?
Sharon stood there, her expression calm and detached, as though the entire matter had nothing to do with her.
Just as Julliard was about to speak again, the police arrived.
“Who called it in? Where’s the assailant?”
Nate and Kelly immediately pointed to Sharon.
Nate shouted, “It’s her! She stabbed Carter with a knife! Officer, take her away and sentence her to death!”
The officers turned toward Sharon.
She stood completely still, not even attempting to dodge or hide. Her calmness made them pause.
One officer asked suspiciously, “Did you kill someone?”
Sharon replied coolly, “No.”
Nate exploded like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “She’s lying! Officer, she refuses to admit it. Add obstruction of justice to her charges!”
Sharon gave him a cold glance. “If you’re accusing me of murder, then where’s the body?”
Nate froze. “Carter… He’s in surgery.”
“Then he’s not dead, is he?”
Nate’s face twisted. “Sharon, are you just waiting for Carter to die?!”
Uninterested in arguing with him, Sharon turned to the officer. “Officer, I didn’t kill anyone.”
There’s a legal difference between murder and assault.
The officer frowned. “What exactly happened here?”
Julliard stepped forward. “Officer, we’re all acquaintances. The claim of murder is a misunderstanding. My friend is indeed injured, but it wasn’t intentional. If you’re unsure, just wait until he wakes up. You can hear it from him directly.”
With his cultured demeanor, Julliard seemed far more credible than Nate.
The officer gave them a skeptical once-over. “You’re saying it’s just a misunderstanding?”
Julliard smiled. “If it’s not, I’m sure the victim will report it himself once he regains consciousness.”
The officers exchanged a glance. It was clear these people knew each other, and this Nate fellow seemed to have a personal vendetta against the alleged assailant.
They nodded. “Alright. If anything comes up, call us immediately.”
Once the officers left, Nate turned his fury on Julliard.
“Julliard, why the hell are you defending Sharon?!”
Julliard masked the shadow in his eyes. “Nate, I’m only doing what Carter instructed.”
“She stabbed him!” Nate’s eyes blazed. “Do you seriously think Carter will let her off the hook?!”
Julliard looked at him steadily. “Nate, no matter what, Sharon is Theo’s mother. If you send her to prison, where does that leave him? If Carter really wanted her jailed, he would’ve made it clear before going into surgery. This is between Carter and Sharon- outsiders shouldn’t interfere. Inserting ourselves into his personal life will only make things harder for him.”
Nate froze.
He’d completely forgotten that Sharon was Theo’s mother.
Theo was set to inherit the family legacy someday. He might not be entering politics, but if word got out that his biological mother had done time, it would still leave a stain on his reputation. It could even become a permanent black mark.
Just then, as Nate stood dazed, the doors to the operating room swung open.
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The doctor stepped out of the operating room.
“The stab wound didn’t hit any vital organs. Mr. Biggs is in no immediate danger. With some rest, he should recover fully.”
As Carter was wheeled out, Kelly shoved past Sharon without hesitation, throwing herself to the bedside like a dutiful hostess.
“Carter, are you alright?” she cried out, voice trembling with concern.
Nate, too, forgot his grudge for a moment and rushed over to check on Carter.
Once Carter was transferred to his hospital room, Sharon tried to follow, only to be blocked at the door by Nate.
“You want to see Carter?” he sneered. “Beg me. Maybe if I’m in a good mood, I’ll let you in.”
Just then, Julliard, who had just finished speaking with the doctor, saw what was happening and quickly stepped forward, ready to intervene on Sharon’s behalf.
But to his surprise, she didn’t even spare Nate a glance. Without a word, she turned and walked away.
“So that’s how it is,” she said lightly. “Forget it.”
Nate froze.
What the hell? Why wasn’t she playing by the rules?
“Hey! Come back here-” Nate called after her, opening his mouth to say more, but she didn’t look back.
Julliard quickly said to him, “I’ll go check on her,” and hurried after her.
Watching him leave in such a rush, Nate felt a strange ripple of unease in his gut.
Julliard had never been one to meddle in others’ affairs, so why was he suddenly so invested in Carter’s?
Outside the hospital, Sharon had barely reached the steps when Julliard caught up with her.
“Sharon, where are you going? Let me take you home.”
She stopped walking. “I’m going home to shower and rest.”
Only then did Julliard notice the dried blood staining her clothes.
“I’ll drive you.”
“Alright.” Sharon didn’t refuse.
Once the car was on the road, Julliard glanced at her pale, exhausted face, a flicker of concern flashing in his eyes. “Sharon, why didn’t you wait for me? I might have been able to talk Carter down.”
Sharon shook her head. “No, you wouldn’t have.”
When it came to Kelly, no one could sway him, not even Julliard.
There was a brief silence before Julliard spoke again, “There could’ve been another way, Sharon. You didn’t have to be so impulsive. What if… something had happened to Carter?”
Before he could finish, Sharon interrupted him, “I wouldn’t have acted if I weren’t sure of the outcome. Don’t worry. He won’t press charges.”
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Julliard’s fingers paused on the steering wheel, a shadow flickering briefly through his gaze. “Sharon…. how can you be so certain? Did Carter… say something to you?”
As someone who had been close to Carter for years, Julliard understood him better than most. Sometimes, an outsider could see things more clearly than those involved.
He knew Carter wasn’t entirely without feelings for Sharon. That was why he kept coming up with excuses to delay the divorce.
Julliard had tried-halfheartedly-to talk some sense into him before, but there were lines he would never cross. Some truths were better left unspoken.
Sharon looked out the window at the scenery flashing by. Her features were calm, her expression coldly serene, like a still lake
in winter.
“For Kelly, he didn’t hesitate to go after the people around me. He staged this entire ordeal to force my hand. But if he sends me to prison, he loses everything-Kelly’s studio, and the music I agreed to give her.
“Carter is a businessman. A rational one. He’d never throw all that away just to vent his anger.”
That was her strength-the foundation of her fearlessness.
Nate acted on impulse.
Carter, on the other hand, calculated everything. Sending her to prison wouldn’t bring him any benefit. All it would do… was cost him.
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Besides, there was also Theo to consider.
Because of Kelly–the other woman-their marriage had fallen apart. Things had escalated to the point of knives being drawn and blood being spilled. A scandal like that, even in elite circles, would spread like wildfire over tea and dinner.
Neither the Biggs family nor Carter could afford that kind of humiliation.
Julliard immediately understood what Sharon meant. He stayed silent for a long time before finally speaking.
“Sharon, you’re gambling. What if… what if Carter really does care more about saving face than anything else? You’d be throwing yourself under the bus.”
Sharon let out a careless smile. “If I don’t vent this resentment now, I might really end up doing something irreversible someday. I might actually kill him.”
Julliard’s lips parted as if to speak, but in the end, he fell silent.
Forget it. Things had already spiraled this far. And as for John’s incident… it wasn’t Carter’s doing, but maybe it was better not to
tell her.
Elsewhere, Xavier raised a brow as he listened to his assistant’s report.
“So, that Driad heir who gave Wendy trouble… He’s not one of Carter’s people?”
The assistant nodded. “No, actually… he’s connected to John’s family.”
“John’s family, huh?” Xavier flipped through the file his assistant handed him. His obsidian-black eyes narrowed slightly.
His sharp brows lifted. “So the person who leaked that dirt about John wasn’t Carter either. It was John’s own family?”
“That’s right. John’s family wants him to return home. He refused, so they resorted to this kind of tactic to force his hand.”
Xavier asked, “Does John know?”
“He probably does. His family has approached him several times.”
Xavier lounged lazily on the couch, his posture relaxed, but his eyes sharp.
“So John knows full well that Carter wasn’t behind this, and yet he hasn’t told Sharon… That’s a shrewd little move.”
The assistant added, “While I was looking into this, I noticed Julliard’s been poking around too. I’d guess he knows the truth as well.”
A faint, unreadable smile tugged at the corners of Xavier’s lips.
“So John kept quiet, and even Carter’s closest friend, Julliard, didn’t breathe a word to her? Funny, I heard Julliard has been passing messages to Sharon pretty regularly. For him to stay silent now and let Carter take the fall… that’s quite something.”
From across the room, Matty, who was busy with his homework, looked up at Xavier.
“Daddy, are you going to tell Sharon?”
Xavier glanced down at his son, a touch of mischief dancing, in his eyes. “John and Julliard both chose to keep their mouths shut. You think I’m going to stick my neck out for Carter? His ‘best friend’ won’t even help him. Why should I?”
Matty blinked. “But what if Mr. Biggs explains everything to Sharon?”
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Xavier chuckled. “Even if he denies it, Sharon won’t believe him. In her mind, Carter’s credibility has long since hit rock bottom. Besides… Carter won’t explain anything.” (
The assistant, intrigued and a bit confused, asked, “But if Mr. Biggs isn’t the one behind John’s scandal, why wouldn’t he explain himself?”
Chapter 442
Xavier gave a lazy and almost indifferent smile.
“He wants to force Sharon to compromise. But she’s Theo’s mother, and she’s never done anything to betray him. If he dares use corporate tactics against her, not just me, even Mr. Malcolm wouldn’t stand by and do nothing.”
He had already seen the news about John. But he hadn’t bothered to get involved. If something happened to Sharon, of course, he’d move heaven and earth to help her.
But as for the people around her… Let’s just say he wasn’t quite that charitable.
This time, he’d only stepped in because he heard that John and Wendy’s issue might affect Sharon.
So, he took a look. And that look revealed far more than he expected.
Now, Xavier thought, this drama was becoming more entertaining by the minute.
“If he’d explained himself right from the start, maybe Sharon would’ve believed him a little. But he wanted everything-wanted to be clever-and ended up outsmarting himself. He’ll pay the price for that arrogance.”
Back at the hospital, Carter soon regained consciousness.
Through his blurred vision, he saw a slender figure leaning over his bedside.
He murmured, “Sharon…”
The figure immediately straightened up.
“You’re awake!” Kelly said in surprise and joy. “Carter!”
Carter blinked in confusion. “Kelly? Why is it you?”
“You’re hurt. Of course, I had to stay and take care of you,” Kelly replied gently.
But when she noticed him scanning the room-as if searching for someone-she instantly understood.
Her fists clenched reflexively, though her voice remained soft and composed.
“Carter, after your surgery, Sharon didn’t even step into the room. She just left.”
A shadow flickered in Carter’s gaze.
“Did she… say anything?”
Kelly studied his expression carefully. “She only said you wouldn’t do anything to her, then walked away. Carter, she almost killed you this time. We can’t just let it go.”
But Carter didn’t respond right away.
Instead, his thoughts drifted far-so far back, to a memory long buried.
Oddly enough, he remembered the first time he ever had a fever. It was Sharon who cared for him then.
He had been working overtime for days. He was exhausted, skipping meals, and exposed to cold. The result was a burning fever.
Sharon stayed by his bedside for a full day and night, without sleep. When he finally came to, he insisted on going back to work.
That was the first time she had ever raised her voice at him.
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She had even snapped at Peggy.
“Peggy, I assume a corporation doesn’t crumble just because its top executive rests for a few days. If it does, then that company is already on the verge of collapse. If you truly care about Carter, then maybe don’t bring him documents right now.”
Carter had always hated people meddling in his work. Yet that time, he wasn’t angry at all.
Surprisingly, he’d listened and actually rested for several days.
Later, when Sharon found out from the doctor that he had chronic stomach problems due to irregular meals, she began preparing medicinal meals for him every day.
No matter how late he came home, she always left a light on for him….
He wasn’t sure why, but all those little details he’d ignored before were now rising to the surface with startling clarity.
And for the first time, he found himself questioning something.
He had never once regretted any decision he’d made, until now.
Chapter 443
Even when he had gotten divorced from Sharon, he had never regretted that either.
Yet now, perhaps because he was ill and injured, a strange emotion stirred faintly in the depths of his heart.
“Carter? Carter, are you even listening to me?” Kelly’s voice pulled him back from his thoughts.
Carter snapped back to the present. That unfamiliar flicker of emotion vanished as quickly as it had come, leaving no trace
behind.
His voice was hoarse. “Call Sharon. Tell her to come here right away.”
Thinking he intended to confront Sharon and hold her accountable, Kelly nodded at once. “Alright.”
After receiving the call, Sharon didn’t rush. She took her time finishing breakfast before heading to the hospital.
Just as she arrived outside the ward, she overheard Kelly’s voice from within.
“Carter, just one bite, please? If you don’t eat anything, how are you going to recover?”
A few seconds later, came the man’s low, raspy voice, “No, I have no appetite.”
Kelly tried to persuade him further, but Sharon had already knocked and stepped inside.
As she entered, a faint gleam flickered in Carter’s eyes. His gaze instinctively fell on her hands.
Aside from a handbag, she hadn’t brought a thing-not even a basic bouquet for a hospital visit. And certainly none of the
medicinal meals she used to prepare with such care. 1
His expression darkened.
Sharon glanced at the scene in front of her-Kelly holding a steaming bowl of porridge, clearly trying to spoon-feed Carter. Carter didn’t seem particularly interested.
She gave the porridge a glance and casually offered, “Kelly, he has a picky palate. He won’t eat store-bought porridge. You’ll need to cook it yourself if you want him to take a bite.”
He hadn’t always been so particular, but over the years, Sharon had spoiled his taste buds.
Kelly’s face instantly darkened at the sight of her.
“Sharon, are you here to beg Carter for forgiveness?”
Sharon’s smile was calm and detached. “If there’s begging to be done, it won’t be from me.”
Her gaze shifted lazily to Carter. “So, Carter, how are you feeling now?”
Carter looked at her directly. “I want to eat your porridge,”
Kelly’s expression froze.
Sharon’s face remained unmoved. “If you’re hungry, ask Kelly or one of your maids to make it. I’m no longer your live-in cook,
Carter.”
His dark pupils reflected the cold indifference on her face.
In the past, whenever he was sick or hurt, she always looked at him with worry and tenderness.
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Now, she looked at him like he was a stranger.
Carter’s voice turned inexplicably hoarse. “Sharon, with this kind of attitude… aren’t you afraid I’ll hold you accountable?”
She raised a brow. “Would you really?”
Seeing Kelly’s face twist with alarm, Sharon gave a slow, knowing smile.
“Don’t get the wrong idea. I wasn’t talking about whether you still care about me, but whether you care about my studio… and my music.”
Then she turned to Kelly.
“There’s no need for you to treat me like the enemy, Kelly. Carter has already done a lot to pave the way for you. If he hadn’t pushed so hard and left me no room to breathe, I wouldn’t have had to resort to violence. The fact that he’s lying in a hospital bed now is proof of how much he cares for you.”
Kelly’s eyes flickered in surprise. She hadn’t considered it that way.
A trace of emotion rose in her gaze. “I’m touched by everything you’ve done for me, Carter. But…”
Chapter 444
Kelly cast a sharp glance at Sharon, her eyes gleaming like blades.
“I’d rather give up everything than watch a murderer walk free.”
Carter’s brows drew together involuntarily. “Kelly, calm down.”
“You’re seriously injured. How do you expect me to stay calm?!” Kelly’s eyes reddened, and her voice trembled with emotion. For a moment, it almost seemed genuine.
“Kelly…” Carter parted his lips, as if to say more, but Kelly, overwhelmed by emotion, cut him off.
She looked at him solemnly. “Carter, we can always find another studio, and if we need a composer, I can ask my mentors for help. No matter what I’ve endured, I can bear it. But I absolutely cannot accept that you were hurt because of her!”
Sharon stood quietly to the side, watching their heartfelt exchange. Her red lips curled slightly as she spoke, her voice cool and
detached.
“Kelly, if you’re truly willing to give up everything, that means all of Carter’s efforts were in vain. Even the stab wound he suffered-it was for nothing. Are you sure you want to throw it all away?”
Kelly glared at her coldly.
“None of it was in vain. I’ll make sure you get the punishment you deserve. Besides, for Carter, I’m willing to lose everything.”
Her words were well-crafted, but Sharon knew better. She had struck a nerve earlier with her wager, and now Kelly was determined to win, no matter the cost.
Sharon let out a chuckle. “Unfortunately, what you want doesn’t matter. What matters is what Carter wants.”
Kelly instinctively looked at Carter, only to see that his deep, unreadable gaze hadn’t left Sharon for a second.
Her heart sank. “Carter… you’re not seriously thinking of letting her go, are you?”
Carter’s eyes flickered. “Kelly, the concert is just around the corner. Given your current health, there’s no guarantee you’ll even – be able to make it through. We can’t afford to waste any more time.”
At that, Sharon turned to Kelly with a faint smile.
“You see, Kelly? Carter is so deeply devoted to you that he’s even willing to endure being stabbed for your sake. If it were anyone
else, he’d never let me off so easily.”
Kelly bit her lip instinctively, tasting the metallic tang of blood.
Sharon was flaunting her victory.
For years, Kelly had used her illness to gain favor. Now, it had become her own trap.
She took a deep breath and steadied herself. “I won’t accept this.”
Carter’s voice darkened. “Kelly, don’t be stubborn. I remember you once said you love music above all else-that you’d give up anything for it. If you abandon your music just to make a point, then what does that make all your words?”
Kelly opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
Carter had fallen for her because of her unwavering passion for music. If she gave that up just to satisfy her pride, her entire persona would collapse.
His tone softened. “Kelly, step outside. I need to speak with Sharon alone.”
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Reluctance clouded Kelly’s eyes, but in the end, she didn’t dare go against him. She turned and left the room.
As soon as the door closed, the atmosphere in the room shifted.
Once, Sharon had always had something to say to Carter. Now, there was only silence between them-nothing more to be said.
In the end, it was Carter who broke the quiet.
“You’re that sure I won’t do anything to you?”
Sharon answered lightly, without hesitation. “I am.”
Chapter 445
Carter hadn’t expected Sharon to respond that way. A flash of emotion briefly surfaced in his eyes, but it vanished almost instantly as he composed himself once more.
“Sharon, you’re gambling on human nature. Have you considered the consequences if I insist you pay the price? Human nature is the one thing least worth wagering on.”
Sharon replied calmly, “You were willing to divorce me for Kelly. You were ready to hand over 100 million to me. Compared to that, my injuring you is hardly worth mentioning.”
She looked at him and smiled faintly.
“You’re right. Human nature isn’t something to bet on. But I never gambled on your guilt; I gambled on your feelings for Kelly. You forced me to hand over my studio, made me compose for her-that was your gamble on human nature, wasn’t it? Carter, you can’t expect to win every time.”
Carter had always been a master manipulator, skilled at reading people’s hearts. But unlike her, he had the resources. Even if he lost, the cost was never too high.
For her, one misstep would mean losing everything.
Still, Sharon didn’t care.
Life, after all, was just one big gamble. Those afraid to lose would never have a chance at winning.
Her tactics might not be clever, but he still had no choice but to swallow this defeat.
And after everything he’d made her swallow, now it was his turn. That, to her, was only fair.
Sharon pulled a contract out of her bag.
“Are we signing this or not? If you haven’t changed your mind, then please sign it soon. We still need this money to lease a new studio and purchase equipment.”
Carter stared at her for a moment, then said, “Give me the pen.”
She handed it to him.
He signed his name across several pages without hesitation.
A flicker of dry amusement crossed Sharon’s eyes.
So, in the end, Carter gave in. She’d won the bet.
Yet there was no trace of satisfaction on her face. She’d calculated that he had a ninety percent chance of agreeing.
As for the other ten percent… that would only happen if he’d lost his mind.
It may have looked like a gamble, but the outcome had always been inevitable.
Just as she turned to leave, Carter suddenly called out, “What if I told you the thing with John… wasn’t my doing? Would you
believe me?”
Sharon glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “If you already know what the answer is, why bother asking?”
Carter met her gaze. “It really wasn’t me. You misunderstood.”
She gave a short, humorless laugh, her eyes brimming with scorn. “And you wait until the contract is signed to say this? Carter, do you even believe yourself?”
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He went quiet for a moment, then asked, “Sharon… if one day you knew the whole truth, would you regret everything you’ve done to me?”
“Of course not.” Her voice was cool and unwavering. “Carter, you might have no morals or bottom line, but at least you did it to pave the way for the one you truly love. For that, I could almost respect you as a man.
“But if this wasn’t your doing-if you knew the truth and stayed silent, reaped the benefits, and only then came to explain yourself to me…
“Did you really think that just because you weren’t the one who did it, everything would be fine once the ‘misunderstanding’ was cleared up?
Sharon’s gaze locked onto his. “If you’d explained before we signed the contract, I might have thought better of you. But if the truth is what you claim? Then, sorry, I’d just find you even more disgusting.”
Chapter 446
After saying that, Sharon turned and left the hospital room.
A few days later, the family who had tried to frame John was arrested by the police.
The authorities publicly cleared John’s name and clarified that the child was not his. It had been a setup, arranged by the woman’s side through a bribed agency employee.
With that, the entire incident was finally put to rest.
Thanks to Sharon’s foresight in preparing Wendy ahead of time, their new studio was quickly up and running
Casey had already begun rehearsing the new piece.
That day, as Sharon was discussing the upcoming concert with Casey, her phone rang. It was Nate.
“Send the original score to Kelly’s performance venue. She’s playing that piece today.”
At the moment, Nate was acting as something of a part-time agent for Kelly. He was a notorious rich playboy with no interest in actual work, and he rarely set foot in the company. But with Kelly’s concert fast approaching, he had taken it upon himself to help her out.
Sharon’s reply was cool. “Send me the address.”
A few seconds later, Nate texted it over. “I just sent it. Don’t be late. This performance is a big deal. If you mess up Kelly’s set, I’ll make sure you regret it. I’m not Carter. I’m not nearly as forgiving.”
The address he sent was a cruise ship.
So Kelly would be performing there tonight.
But she hadn’t even practiced the piece Sharon composed. There was no way she could perform it today.
. Clearly, Nate’s real intention wasn’t about the music. He just wanted to show off and show her how radiant Kelly looked with all
their support behind her.
Wendy, wary of Nate’s schemes, took the initiative to dig around for more information.
“I just found out that Kelly’s performance today is for a high-society audience. Apparently, some major international figures
have been invited too. And…”
She paused, giving Sharon a cautious glance.
“I heard the concert was organized by Maestro Warner himself. He’s the only one who could gather so many elite business leaders. It seems he’s beginning to officially promote Kelly.”
The fact that Kelly had just become Maestro Warner’s apprentice and was already performing for the upper echelon said everything about how much he valued her.
With Carter and Nate paving the way for her and now Maestro Warner throwing in his full support-Kelly had started at the top. Even if Sharon had more talent and better skills, it wouldn’t be easy to surpass her in the short term.
It was like comparing a child raised in an ordinary home to one groomed by the wealthy elite.
Sharon finally understood. “No wonder Nate invited me.”
Wendy was indignant. “If that scumbag Carter hadn’t interfered and stole the opportunity that should’ve been yours, it would’ve
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been you on that stage tonight.”
Sharon, however, had long since seen things clearly.
“Nothing in this world truly belongs to anyone. Even a child connected to you by blood might not stay by your side, so how could an opportunity be any different? If she managed to earn Maestro Warner’s favor, then that’s her ability. What I need to do… is focus on becoming the best version of myself.”
She looked at Wendy and added, “Dwelling on the past will only keep us stuck there.”
Wendy sighed. “I know you’re right… but we really, really need a breakthrough.”
Though Carter and Nate had backed Kelly with everything they had, there were still limits to what they could do-they weren’t in the same league.
But Maestro Warner was different.
He stood at the very top of that circle. The resources he commanded were incomparable. And his influence… was beyond what most people could ever dream of.
Chapter 447
Sharon fell silent for a few seconds before finally saying, “We’ll just have to take it one step at a time.”
Wendy suddenly remembered something. “Oh, right, didn’t Mr. Malcolm call you a few days ago? He asked you to prepare a performance for his old buddies. Has the date been set yet? I heard Matty has been practicing hard too. Last time I overheard Matty telling Mr. Malcolm he wanted to perform for the old folks as well.”
Sharon nodded. “It’s scheduled for the end of the month, but…”
Noticing her hesitation, Wendy asked, “But what?”
Sharon frowned slightly. “The venue Mr. Malcolm gave me is the most luxurious private club in Amstern City. Apparently, we can’t even get past the door without a membership.”
Wendy waved it off. “Maybe he’s just inviting some of his old military comrades, and since it’s a rare occasion, he wants to make it special.”
She patted Sharon on the shoulder and added, “Don’t be fooled by how Mr. Malcolm guards that run-down clinic. He’s been practicing medicine his whole life. He’s got savings and connections. Hosting a concert in a high-end place like that isn’t strange at all. He’s not really materialistic, so who’s to say this isn’t the one thing he’s willing to splurge on?”
Sharon thought about it and found the logic sound. She nodded in agreement.
Wendy said, “Sharon, do you want me to go with you tonight? Just in case Nate tries to pull something shady again, I’ll be there to back you up.”
Sharon gently shook her head. “No need. I can handle it.”
She wasn’t worried about herself. She was more concerned that Nate might shift his scheming onto Wendy.
Wendy seemed to guess what she was thinking and didn’t insist. “If anything happens, promise me you’ll call.”
“I will.”
That evening, Sharon arrived on time at the cruise ship concert venue, just as Nate had instructed.
Perhaps anticipating that she’d leave immediately if they tried to make trouble at the entrance, they made no attempt to stop
her.
She boarded the cruise without a hitch.
The ship was even grander than she had imagined-ornate, dazzling with gold, and extravagantly luxurious.
During her years with the Kalen family, Sharon had seen her share of opulence. Even so, this cruise ship still ranked among the top five most luxurious places she had ever been.
“Never been to a place like this before, have you?”
Nate appeared behind her at some point, a cigarette dangling lazily from his lips as he stood a short distance away.
Sharon asked, “Where’s Kelly?”
“She’s backstage, getting ready to go on,” he replied, blowing a smoke ring. “Five years of marriage to Carter, and he never once brought you to an event like this, huh? Today, you only get to see this kind of occasion because you’re riding on Kelly’s
coattails.”
As if reminded of something, Nate added smugly, “Oh, and this performance was personally arranged by Maestro Warner
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Chopter 447
himself. Really, we should thank you. If you hadn’t handed over such a golden opportunity, Kelly would never have become Maestro Warner’s student so easily.”
As he spoke, Nate kept a close eye on Sharon’s face, hoping to catch a flicker of fury or frustration.
He had originally planned to pull something more malicious, just to mess with her. But Carter had sternly warned him: if he caused trouble for Sharon again, he’d be on his own cleaning it up.
Even Kelly had told him to knock it off. She said if he kept “helping” Sharon this way, she wouldn’t speak to him anymore.
So, he had no choice but to drop the idea.
Still, Nate wasn’t about to let Sharon walk away feeling too good. If he couldn’t attack her openly, then he’d strike at her pride.
That’s why he had invited her over behind Kelly and Carter’s backs, just to rub it in her nose.
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Sharon saw right through Nate’s petty tricks.
But his attempts to flaunt and provoke didn’t amount to anything meaningful in her eyes. If anything, the reason she agreed to come tonight wasn’t to play along with his drama; it was because she genuinely wanted to observe the concert organized by
Maestro Warner.
Though the maestro wouldn’t appear onstage himself, any event personally arranged by him was still a rare learning, opportunity.
Nate thought he’d invited her just to get under her skin. What he didn’t realize was that far from being upset, Sharon was actually quite thankful.
Given her current standing, she wouldn’t normally have the qualifications to attend a performance of this caliber.
Her gaze shifted slightly, eyes gleaming as she studied Nate with a new perspective.
Unwittingly, he had done her a huge favor.
Nate, noticing that there was no trace of anger or indignation on her face-instead, only a strange, unreadable look-was instantly rattled.
“What are you staring at, Sharon?!”
She smiled. “Why, you, of course.”
He shuddered, inexplicably creeped out. “What’s there to look at?”
This woman was nothing if not cunning. Definitely not someone to be underestimated.
Nate eyed her warily, his guard fully up.
But Sharon only curled her lips in a faint smile. “Nothing. Didn’t you say you were taking me to find Kelly? If we don’t go now, her performance will be over.”
Realizing the time, Nate saw that the concert was indeed about to begin. He stopped wasting words and led her into the performance hall.
The venue was already packed.
Even the lights had dimmed.
Nate casually pointed toward an empty seat in the back. “Wait here. Once Kelly finishes performing, I’ll take you to her.”
Sharon nodded. “Alright.”
Her easy compliance made Naté uneasy.
He shot her a warning glare. “If you wander off or cause trouble, you’ll deal with the consequences.”
In truth, he was secretly hoping she would make a scene in front of all these elite guests.
With that thought in mind, he left her alone and returned to his original seat at the front.
“Where did you go? Why are you just now getting back?” Carter frowned, noticing his hurried return.
Nate’s gaze flickered. “Nowhere. Just took a call.”
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Chapter 448
Fortunately, the lights had dimmed completely, concealing the guilt on his face.
Soon, music filled the air, drawing Carter’s attention back to the stage. Only then did Nate let out a breath of relief.
A sudden burst of light lit up the stage as Kelly appeared at center stage, her slender figure instantly commanding the room.
Sharon raised her eyebrows.
Maestro Warner was clearly invested in Kelly’s success. He had not only given her the honor of opening the event but had also arranged for her to perform a solo.
No wonder Nate had been so eager to show off.
Clearly, Kelly had benefited from the maestro’s guidance these past weeks. Her technique had improved noticeably.
Sharon disliked her, but even she had to admit that Kelly wasn’t without talent-there was a reason she’d caught Maestro Warner’s eye in the first place.
Now that she had officially become his student, she had access to expert instruction and the mentorship of already-established, high-profile peers. With just a bit more effort, her future was bound to be bright.
The graceful notes of the piano echoed through the hall.
Kelly, with her looks already scoring well above a ninety, had clearly spared no effort in her appearance tonight. Otherwise, Carter wouldn’t have been unable to let go of her all these years.
Bathed in the spotlight, her delicately crafted features were dazzling and breathtaking
When the piece ended, thunderous applause erupted across the room.
All around Sharon, the air buzzed with compliments and praise for Kelly
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“What a flawless performance. Maestro Warner’s eye for talent is as sharp as ever.”
“And she’s stunning too. Honestly, she just gets more beautiful the longer you look.”
“Looks like the music world has a new prodigy ready to take it by storm.”
“Kelly made quite the impression in front of so many high-profile figures. Her future is limitless.”
Basking in praise, Kelly gave a deep bow to the audience, then exited the stage amid thunderous applause.
Despite the performance being over, Sharon made no move to go backstage. Instead, she remained seated, continuing to enjoy the following acts.
About half an hour later, the music portion of the event came to an end, transitioning into other talent showcases. Sharon checked the time and finally decided it was time to go look for Kelly.
But as soon as she approached the backstage area, a commotion broke out nearby.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. Nate hadn’t called or texted to rush her over. Could something have happened?
Following the noise, Sharon reached a room where a crowd had gathered. Through the gaps in the people surrounding it, she saw Carter carrying a woman in his arms.
The woman looked disheveled and shaken, her shoulders draped in Carter’s suit jacket. Her hair was a mess, and one side of her face was swollen.
It was Kelly.
From somewhere in the crowd, Nate squeezed his way through and hurried to Carter’s side.
Carter turned to him, his voice low and sharp. “Have you found out what happened?”
Nate’s expression darkened. “The guy who tried to assault Kelly is named Hans Anderson, a rich heir with a notorious reputation in the industry. He’d never seen Kelly before and must’ve mistaken her for a newcomer. After a few drinks, he got the wrong idea… Thankfully, Kelly fought back with a table lamp. He’s got a concussion and is now in the hospital, still running his mouth, threatening to make her pay.”
Hans Anderson?
Sharon’s eyes narrowed. That name sounded familiar. Back when she lived with the Kalen family, she remembered hearing it. If memory served, the Anderson family was a major financial powerhouse.
Carter’s voice turned icy. “From this day forward, I don’t want to hear that name again in Zachemaine.”
Sharon immediately understood-Hans was about to be blacklisted across the nation.
Nate nodded. “Got it. I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Wait,” Carter called him back just as he turned to leave.
Nate paused. “What else?”
Carter’s gaze was pitch-dark and cold. “Scum like that doesn’t deserve to walk free. Have him thrown in jail.”
Nate let out a dark chuckle. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he gets properly ‘welcomed’ on the inside.”
Watching it all unfold, one thought echoed in Sharon’s mind: He’d go to war for her.
To send someone like Hans-someone with powerful backing-straight to prison, just like that… even risking the wrath of his
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supporters without hesitation.
Kelly spoke softly, “Carter, I’m fine… You don’t have to go this far for me.”
Before she could finish, Carter’s tone cut her off like a knife.
“Fine? Then tell me, what counts as serious?”
Kelly lowered her head. “I’m sorry. I just got back to the country and didn’t know how things worked here yet. I didn’t expect someone like that to be so bold. If I had known, I would’ve avoided him.”
She was still speaking when she suddenly noticed someone among the onlookers-Sharon, calmly standing at the back of the
crowd.
Her voice hitched. “Sharon? What are you doing here? Were you looking for Carter?”
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Sharon said calmly, “Nate asked me to deliver the sheet music.”
Kelly quickly pieced everything together and immediately understood Nate’s intention. For once, he’d done something that actually made sense.
Her lashes lowered slightly. “Sharon, I’m truly sorry. Something unexpected came up on my end, and it looks like I made you come here for nothing.”
Sharon replied, “It’s no trouble. I’ll just consider it a complimentary ticket from Nate.”
Kelly smiled. “Right, I almost forgot. You probably don’t get many chances to attend concerts of this caliber, do you? Actually, it’s not just you. Even for me, without Maestro Warner’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to take part in an event like this.”
As she spoke, she glanced at Carter, a hint of sincere emotion in her expression. “Of course, I also have Carter to thank for introducing me to Maestro Warner.”
Upon hearing that, Sharon let out a cold laugh internally.
Knowing full well the shady means she had used to secure that introduction, Kelly still had the audacity to flaunt it with such composure. Thick-skinned didn’t even begin to describe her.
With a faint smile, Sharon replied, “I’m genuinely surprised to hear you speak so self-aware, Kelly.”
Naturally, Kelly picked up on the sarcastic undertone, but her smile didn’t waver.
“Sharon, it must be difficult for someone like you to land such coveted performance opportunities. Would you like me to ask Maestro Warner to recommend you for one?”
Sharon smiled, not missing a beat. “Sure. I’d appreciate that, Kelly.”
Kelly’s expression stiffened.
She had assumed Sharon would turn her down on the spot, especially in front of Carter. After all, Sharon had been acting so proud and principled lately. 1
But Sharon simply tilted her head and asked, “Is there a problem, Kelly? Or was that just something you said for show?”
Unlike Kelly, who had to maintain appearances in front of Carter, Sharon had no such burdens.
If someone handed her a free opportunity, she’d gladly take it.
Kelly quickly forced a smile. “Of course not. Since you don’t mind, I’ll speak to Maestro Warner about it.”
As she said this, her gaze flitted almost imperceptibly toward Carter.
But Carter didn’t say a word to stop them. His silence made her heart sink slightly.
Sharon nodded. “Then thank you in advance, Kelly.”
“I still have some matters to take care of,” Kelly said. “Once I have news, I’ll let you know.”
“Please do. I hope it’ll be soon. My own concert is coming up, and if the offer comes too late, I might not have time.”
Their conversation, calm and courteous, sounded nothing like two women who’d been at each other’s throats. It could’ve passed for a friendly reunion between old acquaintances.
Kelly forced a smile. “Alright.”
Sharon didn’t linger and turned to leave.
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After she was gone, Kelly glanced sideways and said softly, “Carter, I just told Sharon I’d help introduce her to a few performance opportunities. You don’t think I was overstepping, do you?”
“No,” Carter replied, his gaze faintly lingering on Sharon’s retreating figure. “After all, we did take something that was rightfully hers. If you want to make it up to her, it’s only fair. And don’t forget, your studio-you got that from her too. Now that she’s your composer, maintaining a good relationship with her is only logical.” 1
Kelly frowned slightly. “But we already compensated her with ten million. Sharon didn’t suffer any loss. In fact, she profited.”
Carter’s dark eyes were like a pool of thick ink, unfathomable and deep. “Kelly, money isn’t everything. When it comes to Maestro Warner, even ten million doesn’t begin to cover what we owe her.”
