Chapter 651
+15 BONUS
Chapter 651
Theo immediately said, “Mom, I’ll be cheering for you.
Sharon responded faintly, neither distant nor warm.
”
Only after she left did Carter finally turn his gaze on Thomas.
He had noticed him long ago.
Even though Thomas kept silent, deliberately low-key, his striking looks made it impossible for anyone to ignore him.
Carter stepped closer, scrutinizing Thomas from head to toe, his eyes carrying a suffocating weight of dominance and authority.
“Who exactly are you?”
He had seen Thomas a few times before but never bothered to give it much thought. After all, he couldn’t imagine Sharon being interested in a delicate, frail-looking pretty boy like him.
But the more often this man appeared at her side, the more of an eyesore he became.
Even Xavier wasn’t constantly hovering around Sharon. Yet this stranger-every time Carter saw her, he was there too. 1
At the auction, it could be excused; there had been a crowd. But this time, when Sharon entered a competition, she brought only
him.
Carter’s sharp gaze cut into Thomas. For Sharon to keep him close, the man must have some kind of ability. Still, something about him felt wrong. Carter couldn’t shake the sense that this mysterious guy had an ulterior motive for being by her side.
An ordinary man would have already cowered under Carter’s oppressive aura. But Thomas stood unflinching, smiling with unshaken composure.
“My name is Thomas. I’m currently Sharon’s bodyguard and assistant. She’s famous, which naturally attracts trouble. There are people trying to harass her, even endanger her safety.” 1
His smile deepened, carrying a quiet sting. “Especially your good buddy, Nate. He’s the greatest threat of all. With Sharon’s concert coming up and a crucial competition ahead, if she were to get injured again… that would be disastrous.”
Carter had no retort. His eyes darkened, and his voice was edged with a subtle warning.
“Did Sharon never tell you that a competent assistant should know when to hold his tongue? Words bring disaster. One day, you might not even know how you ended up dead.”
Thomas chuckled. “If I die, it means I wasn’t good enough. But killing me won’t be so easy. After all…”
He slowed down and enunciated each word. “I belong to Sharon now. And she’s fiercely protective of her own. She would never allow anyone to hurt me.” 2
His smile remained light, but an undercurrent of provocation lingered in his eyes.
“Not even you, Mr. Biggs.”
The moment Thomas said those words, Carter’s expression turned grim. Even Julliard’s face shitted ever so slightly.
This man-Thomas-was brazen and fearless. No ordinary assistant would dare speak so boldly unless he had something solid to rely on.
Could it be… Sharon held him in special regard?
It wasn’t impossible.
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Otherwise, how else could one explain why she would choose a male assistant… and one with such striking looks?
For some reason, Julliard felt an even greater sense of threat than Carter did.
Meanwhile, Victoria had already been confirmed as a violin contestant representing Marcentine.
Today, she and Johanna came to the competition venue to gauge the strength of Zachemaine’s violinists.
Just then, Johanna tugged lightly at Victoria’s sleeve.
“Victoria… who is that guy?”
Victoria followed her gaze. Her pupils contracted ever so slightly.
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Chapter 652
Victoria’s eyes immediately fell on Carter and the people standing beside him.
“Which one are you talking about?” she asked. “Carter’s friend, Julliard?”
Johanna shook her head. “No. The other one.”
Victoria’s gaze shifted to the tall, refined-looking man.
At that moment, many others in the crowd were sneaking glances in the same direction.
Carter, Julliard, and Thomas-wherever they stood, they drew attention. Their looks and their bearing made it impossible to look away.
“I don’t know him,” Victoria said, “but I think I’ve seen him withr Sharon before. At the auction, he seemed to be with her. He’s probably a friend of hers.”
Johanna’s eyes never left Thomas’s face. “He’s… different.”
Victoria turned to her with a teasing smile. “You’re interested in him?”
Johanna didn’t bother denying it. She admitted frankly, “Yes. I am.”
Her forthrightness surprised Victoria. She studied Thomas more carefully, reassessing him.
He was indeed handsome, so much so that even compared to her three brothers, he would still stand out. Standing beside Carter and Julliard, he wasn’t overshadowed in the slightest.
No wonder Johanna had noticed him.
Victoria laughed. “So you have a weakness for handsome men.”
But Victoria’s definition of “handsome” was demanding anyone she called that had to score at least a ninety-five in looks.
Both she and Johanna were daughters of powerful families. Suitors swarmed around them, many of them attractive, many also capable. Yet Johanna dismissed them all without a second thought.
That she now showed interest in a man of unknown background but outstanding looks genuinely surprised Victoria.
Her own standards were different: appearance mattered little so long as it was passable—an eighty-five was enough. But family background and ability were nonnegotiable. She had no patience for men who were pretty but useless.
To her, men were tools-stepping stones to help her climb higher and realize her ambitions.
Having known Victoria for years, Johanna could guess exactly what she was thinking.
“No,” she said, “I don’t think he’s an ordinary man at all.”
“If you’re really interested,” Victoria suggested, “why not have your brother investigate him for you?”
But Johanna shook her head. “I’d rather look into him myself first.”
Victoria glanced again toward the group not far away. “Come on. Let’s go say hello.”
Johanna wanted to meet Thomas anyway, so she didn’t refuse.
The two women walked over to where Carter and the others stood.
“Theo, Carter… you’re here as well?”
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Chapter 652
+15 BONUS
Victoria’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a blade.
Theo’s eyes lit up when he saw her. “Aunt Victoria.”
Victoria’s smile warmed as she approached. She reached out to gently ruffle his hair, her tone kind. 1
“Are you here to cheer for your mom?”
After learning that Sharon played the violin, Victoria had immediately guessed she would take part in a competition like this.
For a moment, Theo froze, then nodded instinctively.
He wasn’t sure whether his father had brought him here to find Kelly or to look for his mother. But since he hadn’t seen Kelly vet, and he’d already cheered for his mom earlier, this counted as coming for her… didn’t it?
Carter turned his gaze on Victoria. “Victoria, what brings you here?”
Victoria replied with an easy smile. “The winner of this competition will represent Zachemaine in the international finals. I’m one of the contestants representing Marcentine. I came to see how strong Zachemaine players are.” 1
For fairness and transparency, this round of the competition was open to the public.
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Chapter 653
Contestants from every country were keeping an eye on their rivals’ champions.
Carter’s expression, however, betrayed no surprise.
“Aunt Victoria,” Theo called out, his eyes shining with admiration. “I want to learn rock climbing and paragliding too!”
Victoria crouched so she could look him directly in the eye.
“No, Theo. You’re still too young for such dangerous sports.” She paused, then smiled. “But in a few days, once your holiday starts, how about I take you ice skating instead?”
Theo’s eyes widened. “You can skate, Aunt Victoria?”
Johanna laughed softly from the side. “Your Aunt Victoria can do plenty more than that. She doesn’t just skate-she skis, shoots arrows, and rides horses as well.”
Theo’s face lit with longing. “I want to learn horseback riding too!”
Victoria chuckled. “Then you’ll have to take good care of your body first. Once you’re healthy again, I will take you riding.”
Theo nodded with fierce determination. “I’ll take good care of myself.”
She smiled. “Tonight I’ll have someone prepare medicinal dishes for you.”
The boy froze, then lowered his head.
“I want to eat the food Mom makes… but she’s always so busy.”
Victoria opened her mouth, as if to say something, then only sighed softly. She drew him into a gentle embrace, offering
comfort.
Straightening again, she turned her gaze toward Julliard and Thomas.
“Carter, and these two gentlemen are…?”
Carter replied, “Julliard Macaron, a close friend.”
Julliard greeted her with a polished smile. “Victoria, a pleasure.”
“Julliard,” Victoria returned the courtesy with grace, “your reputation precedes you.”
Her eyes shifted to Thomas. “And this is…?”
Carter’s expression chilled. “Not important.”
But Thomas smiled easily. “My name is Thomas. I’m Sharon’s assistant.” 1
Assistant?
A fleeting glimmer crossed Victoria’s eyes, but she quickly masked it. She cast Johanna a subtle glance before smiling warmly.
“So you’re her assistant. I’m Victoria Kalen, Sharon’s elder sister. And this is my friend, Johanna Walton.”
Though intrigued by Thomas, Johanna carried herself with the poise and pride of a noble daughter. She didn’t appear overly
eager.
“Hello,” she said with calm grace. “My name is Johanna.”
As the foremost socialite of her circle, Victoria’s fame, talent, and beauty were unmatched. Any woman standing beside her
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risked fading into the background.
But not Johanna. Even next to Victoria, her brilliance held its own. She, too, was a striking beauty.
Thomas’s smile remained polite. “Johanna, a pleasure to meet you.”
His demeanor never wavered.
Even Carter and Julliard barely spared Johanna a second glance, their expressions unchanged, unaffected by her beauty.
Noticing Thomas’s calm indifference, Johanna’s smile deepened, though she revealed nothing more. She was interested, yes- but not infatuated. 1
It was simply rare for anyone to stir her curiosity, and she wished only to learn a little more about him.
Julliard glanced at the time. “The competition is about to begin. Let’s head to the hall.”
No one objected, and the group moved toward the venue.
For Sharon, the preliminary round posed no challenge.
This competition’s open format worked in her favor. With everything transparent, she need not fear manipulation behind the
scenes.
But as she stepped down from the stage, her steps faltered.
Not only did she see Carter and his companions, but she also spotted Victoria and Johanna.
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Chapter 654
Sharon noticed Theo seated beside Victoria, chatting and laughing with her.
Her thoughts drifted-until a sweet, delicate voice suddenly rang out at her side.
The tone brimmed with delight and surprise. “Carter, Theo, you came to watch me compete?”
A flash of white swept past Sharon.
Kelly rushed forward and scooped Theo into her arms. “Theo, it’s been so long since you last saw me. Did you miss me?”
Theo had been engrossed in his conversation with Victoria about ice skating. He hadn’t noticed Kelly at all. The sudden embrace left him stunned.
“Kelly… when did you get here?”
The preliminary rounds were divided into groups. Since everyone had gathered to watch Sharon’s performance, no one had paid attention to which group Kelly belonged to.
She didn’t seem to mind. Smiling brightly, she said, “I just finished my round and saw you and your dad.”
Her tone was airy and cheerful. “Theo, how about I treat you to something cold and sweet afterward?”
Children always found it hard to resist desserts and icy treats, especially those who weren’t allowed to have them often.
Sure enough, Theo instinctively gulped, tempted.
Just as he was about to agree, Victoria spoke first.
“Kelly, Theo is lactose intolerant. He can’t have most of the cold drinks or ice creams sold at dessert shops.”
Kelly’s smile faltered for an instant before she noticed Victoria. With a strained laugh, she said, “Don’t worry, Victoria. I’ll avoid the things he’s allergic to…”
But Victoria cut her off, her tone suddenly sharp.
“Kelly, Theo has a weak stomach. Eating too many cold foods can upset his digestion and damage his health.”
Then she turned to Carter. 1
“Carter, you’re his father. I shouldn’t interfere… but as Theo’s aunt, I can’t stand by and watch such a young child suffer lasting harm because of negligence. If his body isn’t protected properly now, these problems will follow him all his life.”
Victoria’s expression carried a rare stern gravity.
“As a father, you can’t only care about his studies. You must also care about his health.”
Her righteous words didn’t upset Theo. On the contrary, he looked dazed.
He suddenly remembered-his mother used to say the same things.
But back then, he had only found her nagging.
Carter was about to respond when a familiar figure caught his eye.
He turned his head, gaze instantly drawn.
Sharon stood there quietly. He had no idea how long she had been watching. Her expression was unreadable, her emotions impossible to gauge.
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“Sharon.” His voice was low and rough.
Victoria’s words had stirred memories he had long buried-reminders of things he had once overlooked.
When she had prepared medicinal dishes to nurse his health, she had often reminded him to avoid cold food and to eat every
meal on time.
Every morning, she had risen early to make his breakfast herself.
During the worst of his stomach troubles, she had even sent meals to his office through Simon.
At the time, he had taken it all for granted.
Now, there was no one left to do those things for him.
And every time the pain returned, he would remember, unbidden; those little fragments of the past.
Sharon stepped closer. “Victoria, Johanna… you’re here too?”
With calm candor, Victoria replied, “I came to observe Zachemaine’s competitors’ strength. I happened to run into Carter and
Theo here.”
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Chapter 655
Sharon showed no surprise. She merely gave a faint nod.
“Mom,” Theo said excitedly, “Aunt Victoria is going to the sports club later to play ball and ride horses. Let’s go with her, okay?”
His bright eyes shone with unrestrained admiration as he looked at Victoria. It was a completely different gaze from the one he gave Kelly.
Theo liked Kelly only because she indulged him, letting him do all the things Sharon never allowed. As long as he was happy, she didn’t care if it harmed his health.
Victoria, however, was different. She never let him do things that might hurt him-yet somehow, she still won his affection, even his admiration. In just a few short days together, Theo had already grown so fond of her. Not even Kelly had managed that.
“You should go,” Sharon said. “I’ll be heading back to practice piano.”
Theo’s excitement instantly dimmed, as if doused with a bucket of cold water. His face fell. “If Mom’s not going, then I’m not going either.”
Sharon’s brow twitched slightly. “If you want to go, then go with her. Don’t worry about me.”
Theo shook his head stubbornly. “I already promised Dad I’d spend today with Mom.”
He glanced at her cautiously and muttered, “I haven’t seen you in so long… Today’s finally the weekend, and I don’t have any classes. I just want to spend more time with you. Is that okay?”
His small face carried a fragile, hopeful look.
Sharon’s long absences and lack of contact had made him realize that his mother was no longer the same as before. If he didn’t behave better, one day she really might stop wanting him.
Even Aunt Denise had told him to mend his relationship with his mother. And Grandmother no longer spoke of her as a disgrace, as she once had.
Meeting her son’s pleading eyes, Sharon’s gaze flickered.
At that moment, Johanna, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. “Sharon, it’s rare for him to see you. Why not go together? Exercise is good for a child’s body and mind.” She smiled. “He’s your son, after all. No matter how busy you are, sparing one day for him isn’t too much, is it?”
Theo looked at her eagerly, his beautiful eyes filled with quiet pleading. “Mom…”
If he had thrown a tantrum, Sharon would not have indulged him. But what mother could resist her child’s pitiful, hopeful eyes?
And all he wanted was simply to spend more time with her.
In the end, Sharon gave a small nod.
Overjoyed, Theo flung himself into her arms. “I knew it! Mom’s the best!”
Her body stiffened. The last time he’d hugged her like this and said she was the best… had been more than a year ago.
Kelly’s eyes flickered with unease when she saw Carter ignoring her completely. That video of her pushing Sharon into the water had left too deep a stain on her reputation.
Her gaze swept across the group until it landed on the silent Thomas. She hadn’t expected him to be so capable—that in such a short time, he had won Sharon’s trust and was even allowed to stay at her side.
Without betraying her intent, she looked at him, hoping he might speak up for her.
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Thomas was far too perceptive. He immediately caught her glance and understood perfectly what she wanted.
Abruptly, he spoke.
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Chapter 656
“Kelly, why are you staring at me like that?”
Thomas’s words instantly drew everyone’s attention.
He went on casually, “Do you want to go too, Kelly? Is that why you’re hoping I’ll speak up on your behalf?”
Kelly’s smile nearly cracked.
How could he just blurt out the truth like that? What on earth was going through his mind? He had to be insane!
Her chest tightened with frustration, yet she dared not lash out in front of everyone. She quickly realized she couldn’t count on Thomas or Carter to help her.
Turning instead to the most pliable person present, she fixed her gaze on Theo. “Theo, would you like me to come along with you too? I know a bit about shooting. Shall we have a little match?”
Theo had recently been practicing marksmanship. At her words, his eyes lit up.
“Okay!”
Sharon shot Kelly a faint glance but said nothing. With so many people going, one more hardly made a difference. On the contrary, it gave her the perfect chance to observe how Carter’s attitude toward Kelly would change now that he knew the truth.
And so, the group headed off in grand fashion to the largest sports club in Amstern City.
Sharon, Theo, and Thomas shared one car.
Julliard rode with Carter.
Victoria and Johanna took another.
Kelly lingered for a moment, studying the vehicles, then deliberately walked toward Sharon’s car.
“Theo, may I ride with you?”
The boy looked to Sharon for approval. Seeing she had no objection, he nodded.
A fleeting disappointment crossed Kelly’s eyes. How wonderful it would have been if Sharon had openly opposed her. Carter might have defended her then.
Sharon settled into the passenger seat while Thomas drove. Kelly and Theo sat in the back.
Along the way, Kelly asked about Theo’s recent life, giving Sharon the chance to learn what her son had been doing.
“Aunt Victoria has taken me to so many fun places,” Theo said brightly. “She even teaches me shooting and archery. She’s amazing. She seems to know everything. And when I struggle with schoolwork, she helps me too.
“Grandpa has also been looking after me. He found someone to prepare medicinal meals to strengthen my body…”
Then he paused, glancing at Sharon.
“But nothing tastes as good as what you make, Mom. I still like your cooking best.”
His voice softened, carrying an edge of guilt. “Mom, I’m sorry. I was too thoughtless before. From now on, I’ll never let you down again.”
Sharon met his eyes through the rearview mirror. He seemed so different from before. No longer did he take her love for granted. He had learned how to soften his tone, to show humility.
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She had to admit, the Kalen family knew how to raise children. At the very least, this was far better than leaving him under Madeline’s care. 1
Kelly noticed, too, that Theo’s attitude toward Sharon had shifted. And toward her, he felt less intimate.
“Theo,” she asked, “has your grandpa only been taking you out to play all this time? No studying at all?” “Grandpa said there’s no need to overwork myself now,” Theo replied. “He wants me to experience the things other kids get to enjoy. That way, when I grow up, I won’t be easily swayed by small favors, and I won’t be so quick to fall for someone’s tricks.”
Innocent words from a child. Yet they struck Kelly like a hidden blade.
Was he… referring to her?
Carefully, she probed, “Theo, do you like your Aunt Victoria very much?”
Theo nodded firmly, admiration once again sparkling in his eyes.
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Chapter 657
“Yes, Aunt Victoria is amazing! She can play the violin, she’s skilled at all kinds of extreme sports, and she even races cars… She looks so cool when she drives!”
Kelly seized on the opening like a predator catching a scent. “Theo, your body is a little weak. You absolutely can’t be doing such strenuous sports, especially racing-it’s far too dangerous.”
Theo shook his head. “Aunt Victoria never let me do those things. I didn’t even ride in her car. She only let me watch and said I’d have to recover fully before I could try them myself.”
Because of that, Theo made up his mind. To be as capable as Aunt Victoria, he would take good care of his body and learn everything from her.
Kelly’s smile faltered.
Children’s affections never lasted long. When they found someone better, someone brighter, they would toss away their old
favorites without a thought.
And Victoria outshone her by far. With almost no effort, she had captured Theo’s attention.
Using Theo to draw closer to Carter would only become harder from here on.
Her gaze flicked-subtle, almost imperceptible-toward Thomas, who was at the wheel.
At least she still had him.
But Thomas was no steady ally. He was a volatile, unpredictable bomb-helpful one moment, explosive the next. He was even harder to manage than Nate.
In another car, Carter drove steadily, following right behind Sharon’s vehicle.
Julliard sat in the backseat and suddenly asked, “Carter, why didn’t you invite Kelly to ride with you? I even saved the passenger seat just for her.”
Something in those words unsettled Carter.
“I’m not her personal chauffeur. Why should I be the one to give her a ride?”
A glint passed through Julliard’s eyes. “Carter, did you and Kelly quarrel? You never used to talk about her like this.”
Carter’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel. “And what was I like before?”
Julliard thought for a moment. “You always put Kelly first. No matter what happened-even Sharon or Theo-both had to stand behind her.”
Carter suddenly asked, “Was I… truly that excessive before?” 1
The unexpected question left Julliard momentarily stunned.
For so many years, Carter had never once reflected this way. To be precise, he had never believed himself in the wrong.
Julliard’s expression darkened, but he answered carefully. “Well… perhaps a little. Everything else was forgivable, but giving up your own wedding with Sharon for Kelly-that was going too far.
“Still, she was terminally ill. And after all, she saved both you and Nate’s lives. It was understandable that you showed her more
lenience.”
Carter’s voice dropped, low and deliberate. “She saved only Nate’s life.”
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Theo tilted his head to search Sharon’s expression. When he saw she wasn’t angry, he finally let out a small breath of relief.
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Julliard sighed. “Nate may be impulsive, but he values loyalty above all else. Otherwise, he never would’ve risked his life to lead those men away from you back then. If Kelly hadn’t arrived in time to save him, Nate wouldn’t even be alive now.
“He grew up with us. If we don’t look out for him, who will? Are we really going to stand by and watch Lex destroy him and his family?”
Carter remained silent.
Julliard continued, “But you’re right about one thing. Nate has grown reckless. A small lesson might serve him well, force him to rein himself in. Still… he acted rashly this time, yes, but Lex isn’t exactly a saint either. Just this morning, a video surfaced of him bullying Sharon at the auction.”
He paused, studying Carter’s expression carefully.
“He harassed her in public, then turned around and went on a blind date with her. Carter, don’t you think maybe Lex is deliberately trying to get her attention? Do you think he’s interested in Sharon?”
Carter had already seen the morning’s news. Ever since learning the truth behind Sharon’s fall into the water, he had done everything possible to make amends. He ordered Simon to keep constant watch over any reports concerning her. Whenever she faced trouble, he tried to help.
His impression of Lex had always been poor. After watching that video, his distaste curdled into outright disgust. A man who could raise his hand against a woman revealed a truly despicable character.
Carter lifted his gaze and, through the rearview mirror, fixed Julliard with a deep look. “Julliard, you seem quite familiar with Sharon. Since when did you grow so close to her?”
Julliard’s expression didn’t waver. “We’re not that close. We’ve only spoken more often because of Theo, and I’ve had to step in a few times when Nate went too far. But what about that assistant of hers—the one named Thomas? Something about him doesn’t sit right with me.” 1
Carter’s fingers tightened on the wheel. “Why do you say that?”
“Thomas provoked you outright when he spoke, and you can’t tell me you didn’t notice. Besides, with looks like his, he could easily be a star. Why would a man like that settle for being a personal assistant at Sharon’s side?
“She’s your ex-wife, close to the Malcolm family, and she’s a Kalen heiress. What if he’s deliberately trying to get close to her? I don’t believe his intentions are that simple. He’s someone we need to watch.”
Carter silently agreed. A grown man with no proper career, lingering around a woman all day-what good could come of that?
He said coolly, “Maybe he’s just a pretty boy sponging off women. Hardly worth worrying about.”
Even so, Thomas’s constant presence at Sharon’s side was undeniably an eyesore. Carter would have to find a way to drive him out of her life.
Before long, the group arrived at Amstern City’s largest sports club. Theo, clearly no stranger here, moved with practiced ease. Even the staff at the entrance greeted him warmly.
“Hello, here again with your mother to practice shooting?”
Theo froze for a moment before realizing who the staff meant. He quickly corrected them. “She’s not my mother. She’s my aunt.
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Then he darted over to Sharon, clasping her hand tightly. “She’s my mom.”
The staff immediately apologized. “I’m so sorry, my mistake.”
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Theo tilted his head to search Sharon’s expression. When he saw she wasn’t angry, he finally let out a small breath of relief.
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Chapter 659
In the past, to fulfill Kelly’s wish, his dad had given Kelly the wedding ceremony that was originally promised to his mom. When Kelly walked down the aisle holding his hand, people mistook her for his mom, and his mom had been furious.
To little Theo’s mind, such misunderstandings would always upset his mother. Yet this time, she didn’t seem nearly as angry.
Theo had long been fascinated by horseback riding. In a family like theirs, children of four or five should have already started lessons. Unfortunately, his frail health had delayed such training, and the classes had been put on hold.
After entering the club, Sharon, Kelly, Victoria, and Johanna went to the women’s locker room to change, while Carter took Theo, Julliard, and Thomas to the men’s side.
With men strikingly handsome and women elegant and graceful, the group looked like a living tableau, breathtaking simply by standing together.
Sharon had just finished changing when her phone rang. It was John. She slipped into a quiet corner to answer the call.
Meanwhile, outside the men’s locker room, Thomas emerged in his riding attire, only to find Carter waiting alone by the door. Julliard and Theo had already gone ahead. One glance was enough for Thomas to know that Carter had been waiting for him on
purpose.
“Do you need something?”
Carter’s dark, fathomless gaze swept over him, sharp with appraisal. “Name your price.”
Thomas’s lips curved faintly. “I’m afraid the price I’d ask is one you couldn’t afford.”
Carter’s eyes narrowed. He had expected Thomas to play dumb, but Thomas didn’t even try.
“There’s no such thing as a price I can’t pay,” Carter replied coolly. “Only one I refuse to.”
Thomas arched a brow, amused. “Then you must have a condition. Why don’t you state it first, and I’ll decide what figure to put on it?”
A flash of scorn flickered in Carter’s eyes. The words rolled off Thomas’s tongue with practiced ease; he was clearly used to this game, likely having conned money from women before.
“Leave Sharon,” Carter said flatly. “If it’s money you want—or a house, a car—just say the word.”
Thomas’s smile deepened with intrigue. “And if I asked for ten million? Would you pay?”
“Of course,” Carter’s expression didn’t waver. “On the condition that you leave Zachemaine for good and never appear before Sharon again.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then you’ll find my methods are not something you’d care to experience.”
Thomas tilted his head, lips quirking with mockery. “Your methods? Now I’m curious. I’d actually like to see what you’re capable of.”
He suddenly closed the distance between them, leaning close, his voice pitched low enough for only the two of them to hear.
“Carter, stop wasting your effort. Even if you gave me a billion, I wouldn’t leave Sharon. Let me be blunt, I like her. The reason I stay at her side as her assistant is because I’m pursuing her. And so far, it’s working. She trusts me. She’s fond of me. 2
“She even arranged for me to live in her neighborhood, just so she could see me every day. And she often cooks for me. I heard from Wendy that Sharon likes handsome men. Lucky for me… I fit her tastes perfectly.” 2
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His gaze swept over Carter deliberately, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint, cutting smile.
“Sharon told me once that she married you only because of your looks. But five years of sharing a bed with the same man… even the most beautiful face grows tiresome. Now Sharon wants to try the flavor of someone new.”
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Carter let out a cold laugh.
“A grown man selling his looks to seduce women… How shameless of you. You even take pride in it, I see. That isn’t charm, it’s disgrace. You’re a stain on manhood.”
But Thomas didn’t so much as flinch. Not the slightest trace of anger crossed his face. Instead, he looked straight at Carter.
“Sharon chose you for the same reason,” he said evenly. “That face of yours. In the end, we’re no different. Both of us rely on our looks, so who’s really more dignified?”
A faint, mocking smile tugged at his lips.
“Put away that jealous scowl. It’s ugly. Isn’t it obvious? You’re envious because I’m younger, stronger, and more capable of pleasing her than you are.
“Instead of wasting your time picking fights with me, perhaps you should exercise a little, take better care of yourself. Because even if you manage to drive me away, there are countless other men in the world. What will you do then? Kill them all?”
Being ridiculed so brazenly by someone he deemed beneath him left Carter with a bitter sense of absurdity. His fury twisted into a laugh.
“Does Sharon know you’re this arrogant?”
“Of course not.” Thomas’s tone was matter-of-fact. “And I won’t let her know.”
He smiled. “I’ll keep only the best side of myself for Sharon. As for the rest, the flaws, the ugliness-those are for people who don’t matter.”
Carter had met arrogant men before-Nate, Lex. Their arrogance had roots, leverage, something to back it.
But Thomas? His was different. Baffling. Reckless.
What gave him the right to be so brazen? Was it merely the certainty that Sharon would shield him?
For a man to need a woman’s protection… just how thick could his skin be?
A frigid curve touched Carter’s lips.
“Don’t overestimate your worth. As you said yourself, men like you are everywhere. But there’s only one father to her child, and that’s me. Whether it’s my will or hers, erasing you from her life would take nothing more than a word.”
Thomas looked as if he meant to retort, but suddenly, his ears twitched almost imperceptibly. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. His tone shifted.
“I know I’m a nobody with no power or influence. Snuffing me out would be as easy for you as crushing an ant. But understand this: no matter how hard you press me, I will never leave Sharon. And I will never betray her.
“I don’t know how I’ve offended you, why you harbor such hostility toward me. But I am a man with dignity. You may despise me, but you cannot slander my character.”
Carter’s voice dripped with derision.
“Character? You survive by clinging to women. What character is there to speak of? I’ve warned you more than once to stay away from Sharon. If you insist on being blind to reason, don’t blame me when I stop holding back.”
At that moment, Sharon, who had been standing outside, could no longer restrain herself. She strode in.
“Carter, that’s enough.”
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Her face was carved from ice, her gaze colder than he had ever known it to be.
“First, you schemed against John. Now you want to pull the same trick on the people beside me?”
She still believed the slander spread against John and his mother had been orchestrated by Carter. Hearing the exchange before her now only cemented the suspicion that he was once again resorting to underhanded means.
Carter frowned. “What are you talking about?”
When had he ever plotted against John?
Sharon’s voice was sharp and frigid.
“Have you forgotten already? You forced me to give up the studio, made me compose for Kelly against my will, and you
threatened me by dragging John into it. Carter, you call that not scheming?”
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Carter’s gaze flickered as the memory returned to him.
“I already told you. That wasn’t my doing…”
Sharon gave a cold, mocking smile. “If it wasn’t you, then why didn’t you say so at the time? Why insist I hand over the studio before offering an explanation?”
For once, Carter found himself at a loss for words.
The compensation he’d given her had hardly been meager. Yet they both knew that if John hadn’t been dragged into the mess, Sharon would never have relinquished her studio.
So now, hearing Carter’s exchange with Thomas, it was no surprise she assumed he was scheming in the shadows again.
Thomas arched a brow at her words, then lowered his gaze.
“I truly don’t know how I’ve offended Carter. He says my position at your side is born of ulterior motives. He says I sell my looks and swindle women’s money.
“Sharon, I know I’ve caused you plenty of trouble. Since Carter despises me so much, perhaps I shouldn’t stay by your side and make you an even greater target of scorn.”
He lifted his head, glancing briefly at Carter, then looked away, as though biting back words. “Your concert is coming soon. Better not let needless trouble disrupt it.”
Carter’s eyes narrowed, sharp as a hawk’s. His gaze fell on Thomas like a blade.
“Your attempts at sowing discord are clumsy at best.”
He could hear the veiled suggestion in Thomas’s tone-that he might sabotage Sharon’s concert. If he understood, then so
would Sharon.
“I don’t find a word of Thomas’s wrong. You’ve targeted people around me once; you’ll do it again. But this time, I won’t be
threatened.
“If you dare lay a hand on him, I won’t hesitate to make sure Kelly’s concert never happens either. Let me be honest with you. I have plenty of dirt on Kelly. And with my reputation and influence, once it’s out, she’ll become a rat scurrying in the street, hated by all.”
For a man who prided himself on keeping his temper under lock and key, Carter could no longer mask his ire.
“Sharon, can’t you hear it? He’s spewing lies to drive a wedge between us!”
Her tone remained glacial.
“I hear no lies. All I know is, he’s telling the truth.”
Carter longed to tell her what Thomas had just said-how brazen, arrogant, and openly defiant he’d been. Every word had dripped with provocation.
Yet the moment Sharon appeared, Thomas had switched to pitiful self-sacrifice.
But what was the point? Even if he said it, she wouldn’t believe him. John’s incident had already condemned him in her eyes.
Sharon ignored Carter completely, turning instead to Thomas. Her voice softened, her expression gentler than it had been in the entire exchange.
“Thomas, if there’s nothing else, shall we go?”
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he didn’t bothether demanding an apology from Carter. Men like him, lofty and untouchable, would never lower themselves that ar. She didn’tlet oven want to look at him again.
homas didn’t’t press either. He simply nodded. “Alright.”
ogether, the rhey walked away.
arter sits brows drew tight as he stared at their retreating backs.
Shasharon, he called.
at she Sharan continued walking as though she hadn’t heard. She didn’t want to hear another word from him.
Behind her, Carter’s voice rang out again, clear and cutting as ice.
hasharon, you’ll regret this.” 1
Chapter 662
Sharon showed no reaction at all as she walked away.
Only when they were out of Carter’s sight did she finally speak.
“Thomas, I’m sorry. You’ve had to suffer because of me.”
Thomas replied, “What’s a little suffering? This is work. I heard from Wendy that when she was managing artists, she encountered far worse than this. Compared to her, what I’ve faced is nothing at all.”
Sharon studied him for a moment, her gaze lingering. “You have a remarkably good mindset.”
Thomas smiled. “Money has never been easy to earn. And besides, Sharon, you’re paying me handsomely every month. Since I usually don’t have much else to do, I should prove my worth-make sure you feel I’m worth every cent.”
Sharon found herself genuinely liking his optimistic, grounded outlook.
“It he ever gives you trouble,” she told him, “tell me at once. Don’t worry, I won’t let you be bullied so easily.”
Thomas nodded without hesitation. “Alright. I trust you, Sharon.”
They had just stepped onto the riding grounds when the sound of applause and excited voices broke out around them.
“Amazing! I haven’t seen anyone this skilled at mounted archery in ages!”
“She’s gorgeous. Is she some kind of celebrity?”
“Don’t talk nonsense. She’s no celebrity-she’s the heiress of the Kalen family. Not someone you can afford to mess with. Don’t
do anything stupid.”
Sharon turned and saw Victoria astride a horse, bow raised, loosing an arrow toward a distant target. 1
Thwack!
The arrow struck dead center.
Gasps and cheers rippled through the crowd.
Sharon’s eyes shifted to the line of targets before Victoria-five in total-and saw that every single one bore an arrow pinned in the bullseye.
Clad in a fitted riding uniform, Victoria’s long hair was tied back in a simple ponytail. Brilliant sunlight poured over her, gilding her features in a veil of gold. She looked less like a woman of the present and more like a goddess riding out of an ancient
battlefield.
The riding ground, once sparse, was now encircled by onlookers. Men were visibly captivated, but even women could not help admiring her with open awe.
Little Theo clapped with all his might, his delicate face alight with excitement.
“Aunt Victoria is amazing!”
Standing beside him, Kelly’s expression darkened. Against Victoria’s dazzling brilliance, she looked like a withered leaf-dull, overlooked, utterly eclipsed. Few even noticed she was there.
The contrast was merciless, a blow that struck on an entirely different level. Not even in front of Sharon had she ever felt such an overwhelming loss of confidence. Yet here, she felt the unfamiliar sting of inferiority.
For the first time, Kelly realized that some people were born favored by the heavens. No matter how hard she chased, she would
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never catch up.
Victoria, meanwhile, appeared utterly unbothered by the stares of admiration, jealousy, and desire surrounding her. She had grown accustomed to them.
Soon, another rush of hoofbeats sounded. Three arrows shot forth in unison, too swift for the eye to follow, streaking toward the row of targets.
By the time the crowd blinked, all three arrows had landed firmly, each embedded in the very heart of its target.
Stunned silence fell, then erupted into commotion.
“What… what just happened?”
“Did she fire all three arrows at once?”
“My god, incredible! Every one of them hit the bullseye. Is she some kind of sharpshooter?”
The spectators turned and found a young woman sitting gracefully on horseback.
She had refined features and a delicate, enchanting beauty. Her mixed-race heritage lent her face a striking allure. She was no less radiant than Victoria.
Victoria let out a chuckle. “No wonder everyone in the circle says-when it comes to mounted archery, you’re the undefeated queen, Johanna.”
Johanna’s lips curved into a small smile. “This is the only skill I can truly show off.”
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“I can’t compare to you when it comes to music, chess, calligraphy, and painting,” Johanna said.
As she spoke, her gaze swept the crowd, and in an instant, it landed on Thomas, who stood quietly beside Sharon. Her smile deepened.
Riding her horse forward, she stopped before Sharon and Thomas.
“Sharon, Thomas, why don’t you both give it a try?”
Sharon returned her smile.
“Sorry, I’m not very skilled at horseback archery.”
Johanna waved a hand dismissively.
“That’s fine, it doesn’t have to be serious. Just for fun. There’s no competition here.”
At that moment, Theo noticed Sharon approaching and immediately ran over to her.
“Mom, can I ride a horse?”
The question surprised Sharon. In the past, he never would have asked for her opinion.
She considered it briefly before nodding.
“You can. But choose a gentle-tempered horse first and try it out slowly.”
Joy lit up the boy’s eyes.
Just then, Julliard appeared, leading a pony, with two riding instructors following close behind.
“I picked out a calm little pony for Theo,” he said warmly. .”See if you like it.”
Julliard was always so thoughtful.
Theo ran straight to the pony, studying it with curiosity.
“Thank you, Julliard. I really like it.”
Julliard continued, “These two instructors will be your teachers. Why don’t you start with some basics first?”
Theo nodded without hesitation. “Okay.”
Soon, he followed the instructors aside to begin his first riding lesson.
By then, Carter had also arrived. His expression was cool and unreadable, betraying nothing of his thoughts.
Julliard turned to Sharon.
“Sharon, would you like to choose a horse as well?”
Since she was already here, Sharon felt it would be strange to just stand and watch. After a moment of thought, she nodded.
She turned to Thomas. “Thomas, what about you?”
Thomas shook his head. “I’ll pass.”
Sharon didn’t press him. “Alright then, wait here for me.”
Nearby, Kelly caught the exchange and quickly looked at Carter. “Carter, let’s go too.”
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He gave a quiet “Mm” in reply.
When they returned with their horses, Theo was still practicing with his instructors. Victoria had joined him as well, offering guidance at his side.
But Thomas and Johanna were nowhere to be seen.
Sharon frowned slightly and asked Victoria, “Do you know where Thomas went?”
Victoria glanced around. “Hm? He was just here. How did he disappear so quickly?”
Unease stirred in Sharon. She pulled out her phone and dialed Thomas’s number.
In upscale clubs like this, people tended to flatter the high and step on the low. Since losing his memory, Thomas rarely went out, and he had certainly never been to a place like this. She worried he might run into trouble.
From the corner of his eye, Carter noticed how the first thing Sharon did after stepping out was look for Thomas. His dark eyes deepened.
Thomas clearly held too much weight in her heart.
He needed to find a way to drive Thomas out.
The phone rang for a long time without anyone picking up.
Sharon lowered the phone. “You all go on ahead. I’ll go look for him.”
Julliard instinctively wanted to follow, but with Carter present, he could only stay behind, silently watching Sharon’s retreating figure.
The racetrack was vast, yet open; one could see the far end at a glance. If Thomas wasn’t here, then he must be in the lounge
area.
Sharon had just turned in that direction when a familiar voice caught her ear-Johanna’s, sharp and commanding.
“You owe this gentleman an apology for your rudeness just now.”
Sharon lifted her gaze. Ahead, she saw Johanna standing firmly before a group of people, her expression cold and stern.
And there, right at her side, was Thomas.
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Sharon noticed faint stains on Thomas’s clothes, as if someone had spilled a drink on him.
Her gaze shifted to the three arrogant young heirs standing across from him, and the picture became clear–Thomas must have
run into some trouble earlier.
She wasn’t surprised.
In exclusive clubs like this, the line between ordinary people and the wealthy was always stark.
Thomas’s outfit, chosen by Wendy, was decent but ordinary-clothes anyone could buy, certainly not bespoke luxury. In contrast, the sons and daughters of powerful families wore nothing that cost less than thousands, some even well over a
hundred thousand.
Children of privilege, raised in affluence, developed sharp, discerning eyes. They could spot the difference instantly.
And Thomas’s striking looks didn’t help matters. Earlier, more than a few young ladies had stolen glances his way. While Sharon was selecting her horse, someone had even approached him to ask for his contact information. Jealousy was inevitable.
The three wealthy young men now seemed wary of Johanna’s presence. After exchanging brief glances, they offered no excuses or resistance, only hurried apologies.
“Sorry.”
“My apologies.”
“We were out of line.”
When they finished, Johanna turned to Thomas.
“Thomas, are you satisfied?”
Her meaning was clear-if he wasn’t, she was ready to pursue the matter further on his behalf.
Thomas gave a small nod. “That’s enough.”
Only then did Johanna face the three again, her beautiful features tinged with frost.
“Thomas is kind-hearted enough to forgive you, but that doesn’t mean I will. From today on, your memberships are revoked. You are not to set foot in this place again.”
The three quickly agreed, their faces paling.
“Yes, Miss Walton. We understand.”
“Good. Leave.”
Once they were gone, Johanna’s expression softened into a smile as she looked at Thomas.
“Let’s exchange contacts. Add me as a friend. If you ever run into trouble again, you can call me.”
She offered him her phone.
Thomas didn’t take it immediately. Instead, he replied politely, “Thank you. But I already owe you a favor. I’d rather not trouble you further.”
“You don’t want to owe me? Then you should add me. Otherwise, how else will you repay the debt?” she countered lightly.
A brief silence passed before Thomas finally accepted the phone and keyed in his number.
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Chapter
Johanna added him on the spot, satisfaction flickering across her face.
Then, as though the thought had just occurred to her, she asked, “Thomas, you’re assisting Sharon right now, aren’t you? Would you consider working for me instead? I can pay you three times the salary.”
At that, Sharon understood.
So Johanna had taken an interest in him.
She hesitated for a moment, then decided it was best to slip away quietly. People always reached for higher ground, and if Thomas had a better opportunity, she wouldn’t hold him back. Staying by Johanna’s side was, after all, safer than staying with
her.
But just as she was about to leave, Thomas noticed her and called out, “Sharon, you’re here.”
Sharon stopped. “Mm. I didn’t see you around, so I came to check.”
Turning back toward Johanna, Thomas gave a courteous smile. “Johanna, I appreciate your generosity, but I’m not looking to change jobs for the time being. Forgive me.”
Before she could answer, he walked briskly toward Sharon.
Her eyes flicked to the stains on his clothes. “You ran into trouble?”
Thomas dismissed it easily. “Just a minor thing.”
“Go change your clothes first,” Sharon suggested.
He nodded. “Alright.”
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Chapter 665
After Thomas left, Johanna walked over to Sharon and greeted her with a warm smile. But before long, her tone shifted.
“Sharon, I find myself very interested in that assistant of yours, Thomas. I wonder if you’d be willing to part with him… perhaps let him come to me?”
Sharon’s expression remained calm. “If you wish to poach him, I have no objection. He’s free to leave whenever he wishes. I won’t hold him back.”
Johanna’s gaze lingered on Thomas’s departing figure. “And yet… he doesn’t seem eager to leave.”
“That’s not something I can control,” Sharon replied evenly.
Johanna turned her eyes back to Sharon, her lips curved in a gentle smile.
“I offered him triple the salary, but Thomas still chose to stay. It seems he believes being by your side is worth more than what I can give. Your personal charm must be extraordinary, Sharon.”
“Money doesn’t always define everything,” Sharon said lightly. “Perhaps, to him, it simply isn’t that important.”
Johanna nodded, genuine admiration in her voice. “That only makes me respect him more.”
Sharon didn’t know Johanna well, nor was she close to Thomas. She had no idea how to respond, so she gave a noncommittal
reply and let the matter drop.
Compared to Victoria, Johanna was far more outgoing. She seemed eager to continue the conversation.
“Sharon, Richard and Victoria came to Amstern City this time to bring you back to the Kalen family. When do you plan to return?
11
Sharon glanced at her. “My career and relationships are all here in Amstern City. I don’t intend to go back for now.”
Johanna chuckled softly. “Life in the Kalen family isn’t so bad. You’d never worry about food or clothing, and resources would flow to you endlessly. Just look at Victoria…”
Her gaze drifted toward Victoria, who was riding and shooting arrows in the distance. “She’s had access to first-class education since childhood, and now, with the family’s backing, her career flourishes effortlessly.”
Lowering her voice, she added conspiratorially, “Do you know why Victoria still isn’t engaged?”
By nature of their positions, Sharon and Victoria could never be close. But she had no desire to deliberately oppose her, even though Victoria had stolen all the affection of her father and brothers. It didn’t matter. She had never expected anything from them, so she had nothing to lose.
Still, Johanna’s words sparked her curiosity. “Why not?”
“Because staying unmarried brings her more benefits than marriage ever could,” Johanna explained. “Her reputation alone attracts countless suitors. Many families willingly forge deep alliances with the Kalens in hopes of marrying her. The Malcolm family, my own family-the Waltons-are prime examples.
“Besides, Victoria is so exceptional that very few men are truly worthy of her.”
Her eyes flicked back to Sharon, her smile laced with honesty. “Even my eldest brother falls short, in my opinion.”
Sharon knew Victoria was outstanding. Otherwise, Richard and Rick wouldn’t value her so highly. 1
“Victoria has both ambition and ability,” Johanna went on. “If she weren’t born a daughter, she could easily take over the Kalen Group. It’s a pity Richard won’t allow it. He insisted she study music instead. What a waste of her talent and strength.”
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Sharon had differing thoughts. “Reaching the pinnacle in any field is no easy feat. True mastery-whether in business or the arts-is equally remarkable. The achievements may not be any less.”
Johanna replied, “Perhaps. But when it comes to money, music hardly compares.”
Sharon looked at her. “Is money really the only measure of achievement?”
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Chapter 666
Johanna froze for a moment, momentarily at a loss for words.
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Sharon, however, didn’t press her further. She turned away and walked toward Theo. Soon after, she mounted a horse of her own and rode a slow circuit around the training ground.
Unlike Victoria and Johanna, Sharon didn’t attempt any flashy displays of horseback archery. Riding alone was already an accomplishment for her since she had never been particularly skilled in equestrian pursuits, and managing a proper ride was no
small feat.
Kelly, on the other hand, couldn’t ride at all. Her eyes, limpid as water, lingered on Carter with a look of hesitant longing.
“Carter, could you teach me to ride?”
If she could share a saddle with him, nothing would please her more.
Carter’s gaze flickered over Kelly. She looked back at him expectantly, her face alight with anticipation.
“Carter, my health has improved a great deal,” she said. “A little exercise won’t do me any harm.”
Across the field, Julliard’s eyes trailed unconsciously after a slender, graceful figure astride a horse. But hearing Kelly’s words,
he turned back.
“Carter,” he said evenly, “why not teach Kelly? A bit of light training could actually help her recovery.”
Kelly blinked in surprise, casting him a questioning look.
Julliard was speaking on her behalf? Hadn’t he always been helping Sharon instead?
Carter’s brows knit together briefly. Then, rather than responding, he called Theo over.
With his instructor’s help, Theo had finally learned how to mount properly. At that moment, his cheeks were flushed, his expression bright with a pure, unguarded smile he hadn’t shown in a long time.
“Daddy, what is it?”
“Kelly is also a beginner,” Carter said. “She wants to learn as well. Take her with you.”
Theo glanced at Kelly. “Alright, Kelly. Let’s go.”
Her face stiffened. “Carter, why don’t you teach me a few things yourself?”
“I’m not an instructor,” he replied flatly. “I don’t know how to teach.”
He was planning to remarry Sharon soon. He had no desire to stir up unnecessary trouble now, or give her the wrong impression, a
Kelly bit her lip hard, but with Julliard and Theo present, she could say nothing more. She had no choice but to follow Theo. For now, she would focus on nurturing his affection for her. With time, she might still turn the situation in her favor.
Sharon returned shortly after completing just one lap. The moment she dismounted, Thomas approached her, holding out a bottle of mineral water.
“Sharon, you must be thirsty. Have some water.”
She accepted it with a polite, “Thank you.” But as she twisted the cap, she noticed it was already loosened. He had opened it for her beforehand.
That small detail made her reassess him.
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When she finished, Thomas took the empty bottle and immediately handed her a clean towel.
“Wipe your sweat.”
Sharon accepted it, giving him a curious look. “You’re unusually attentive today.”
He smiled. “Wendy gave me some training.”
Not far away, Johanna observed the scene and commented to Victoria, “I didn’t expect him to be so thoughtful.”
Victoria replied, “No matter how thoughtful he is, it isn’t for you.”
Johanna turned to look at her. “You’re not suggesting he likes Sharon, are you?”
“Someone like him,” Victoria said, her tone edged with suspicion, “choosing to stay by Sharon’s side is strange enough. And despite your generous offer, he refused to leave. If he doesn’t harbor feelings for her, then he must have some other agenda. Either way, it’s best to keep your distance.”
Victoria rarely acted without certainty. She despised anything that felt out of her control.
Johanna, howeyer, was the opposite. What she enjoyed most was the thrill of a challenge. She let Victoria’s warning slide, steering the conversation chewhere.
“You watched Sharompete today, didn’t you? What did you think?”
At that, a fli
Something unreadable crossed Victoria’s face.
ave some skill,” she admitted.
Chapter 667
Johanna asked, “And compared to you?”
Victoria smiled. “Unless we compete, who can really say?”
Johanna couldn’t help glancing toward Sharon. Victoria had never been one to flatter others out of false modesty. For her to speak this way meant Sharon’s skill was likely not far below her own.
“Her mom was a renowned violinist,” Johanna remarked. “For Sharon to have such talent is only natural.”
At the mention of Sharon’s mother, Victoria’s smile faltered. Her father and three brothers had long concealed the truth about her mother’s death. Yet a few years back, her uncle had sought her out and handed her a letter her mother had left behind.
The memory tightened Victoria’s throat and weighed down her chest. Though she had never once met her mother, she knew the woman had sacrificed greatly for her. With her very life, her mother had carved out a future for Victoria. 1
She could not-would not-allow her to be disappointed.
On the other side, Kelly nearly gawked when she saw Thomas serving Sharon water with such attentive care.
She rubbed her eyes in disbelief. Was that really Thomas? The same volatile man who used to erupt at the slightest provocation, spitting threats of blood and death?
Her shock went unnoticed. Both Carter and Julliard were equally drawn to the scene.
Carter’s lips pressed into a hard line, a thin chill radiating from his presence.
Julliard’s fists clenched unconsciously, a shadow of dangerous calculation flickering in his eyes.
It wouldn’t be difficult to remove Thomas. But it would have to be done in such a way that no suspicion ever landed on him.
His gaze slid, subtle and sharp, toward Carter. Something sparked in his mind, and slowly, his lips curved into a knowing smile.
Only moments ago, the sky had been bright and clear. But within minutes, the day turned unnervingly dark, and heavy rain poured down in torrents.
The guests quickly retreated into the indoor lounge.
Sharon had already returned there to rest. Aside from Theo and Julliard, she had little interest in facing anyone else. She planned to hang out a little with Theo, then keep to herself.
When the others filed in, she immediately noticed that Theo was missing. Her brows knitted tight.
Striding over to Carter, she demanded, “Where’s Theo?”
Even on a rare day he set aside, Carter remained consumed by work-his phone buzzing without pause. Just as he hung up, Sharon’s question cut through.
He turned his head, and Theo’s absence struck him too. His eyes darkened as he looked toward Kelly. “Where is he?”
Her face was all bewilderment. “I don’t know!”
Rage simmered beneath Sharon’s restraint. “Carter, Theo is your son. Instead of watching him yourself, you’re asking an outsider?”
Expressionless, she pivoted toward the door. “No, I should have known better than to entrust him to someone like you.”
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Outside, the rain came down harder, drumming against the earth. Theo’s health was fragile; a drenching like this could easily bring on a fever.
Snatching the umbrella by the door, Sharon prepared to rush out when Carter caught her wrist.
Her eyes turned on him, cold as ice. “What are you trying to do now?”
His Adam’s apple shifted with a hard swallow. “Stay here. I’ll find him.”
Sharon’s lips curled with bitter mockery. “You think I can still trust you?”
With that, she wrenched her wrist free and strode away.
Carter grabbed an umbrella of his own and followed her out into the storm.
But the moment Sharon pushed open the door, two figures burst in from the rain-one tall, one small.
Her gaze fixed in shock.
It was Theo, standing beside Thomas.
Chapter 668
Thomas had draped his own jacket over Theo’s head, shielding the boy while he himself was drenched to the skin.
Though Theo had caught some rain, Thomas’s protection kept him from looking too bedraggled.
Sharon hurried over, her voice tight with worry. “Theo, are you all right?”
The boy nodded. “I’m fine, Mommy. Thomas gave me his jacket. I’m really fine.”
A shadow of emotion flickered through Sharon’s eyes. “Thomas… thank you.”
With an easy laugh, Thomas swiped the rain from his face using his sleeve. “I’m your assistant. Looking after your son is part of the job.”
Only then did Sharon recall-shortly after she had returned to the lounge, Thomas had vanished. She had assumed he’d been drawn away by some sport that caught his interest.
Her gaze shifted back to Theo, her tone firm.
“Theo, why did you run off alone again? Do you realize how many people were worried about your safety?”
Seeing Theo chastised, Kelly instinctively stepped in, as she always had, playing the peacemaker.
“Sharon, Theo is still a child. Don’t be so harsh with him, he—”
Her words were sliced short by Sharon’s icy interruption.
“My son’s education is none of your concern. Since when was it your place to interfere?”
Kelly froze, then a thrill of secret delight rose in her chest. With so many people present, Sharon had openly snapped at her. To everyone watching, it would only confirm that Sharon bullied her. Their sympathy would fall to her side.
Her eyes filled at once with tears, her expression pitiful..
“Sharon, I only meant that Theo is not an unreasonable boy. If he disappeared, he must have had a reason. He’s smart enough to understand-if we reason with him, he’ll listen…”
Sharon’s gaze turned cold.
“If reason truly worked, would he keep sneaking off again and again?”
Her eyes swept over Kelly’s reddened rims. “Kelly, if you’re so fond of meddling in other people’s children’s affairs, perhaps you should have one of your own. Raise your own child however you like-discipline her, pamper her, even serve as her maid if that pleases you. No one would interfere. But stop interfering with mine.”
Her words cut clean, sharp, and without a shred of softness.
Tears spilled down Kelly’s cheeks. Reflexively, she looked toward Carter, her tear-streaked face the very picture of helplessness.
“Carter, I… I was only thinking of Theo’s well-being. I meant nothing else.”
She forced a fragile smile through her tears.
“I’m sorry for meddling. Since Sharon dislikes me so much… I’ll go. I won’t stay here to offend her further.”
Lowering her head, she turned as if to step into the curtain of rain.
But the room fell into a strange, stifling silence.
On any other day, Carter would have stopped her, mindful of her health, unwilling to let her leave in such weather.
Yet now, he stood rooted, silent, making no move to stop her.
From the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at Thomas. But he didn’t even spare her a look. He was busy toweling the rain from his face.
A chill coiled through Kelly’s chest, edged with unease.
What was happening? Where had it gone wrong?
Rain hammered down in torrents outside. Trapped by her own act, Kelly found herself in an impossible bind.
Still, she had always been bold enough to play the wounded victim.
Gritting her teeth, she steeled herself to charge into the storm when Sharon’s voice cut through the downpour.
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“Kelly, the exit is that way. Why are you running toward the stables?”
Kelly turned her head and found Sharon watching her with a half-smile.
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“Up ahead is the riding arena. With rain like this, the place is deserted. Are you planning to ride a horse in this weather?”
Kelly’s breath caught in her throat.
Seeing this, Johanna gave a faint shake of her head. The look she cast at Kelly was tinged with disdain. She had grown up in a scheming family, where every word and gesture was a calculated move. Tricks as shallow as Kelly’s were far too clumsy to impress her.
Victoria, too, had been the target of girls’ envy since childhood. She had seen plenty of underhanded tactics, and Kelly’s pitiful charade struck her as laughably weak.
The two of them watched silently, saying nothing.
Theo wanted to speak up for Kelly, but when he saw his mother’s stern expression-and noticed that his father remained silent -he swallowed the words back down. (1)
At that moment, Kelly felt like a caged monkey on display, watched with detached amusement.
In the end, it was Carter who broke the silence.
“Kelly, if you want to go back, then go. Change into dry clothes first. I’ll have someone see you home.”
Kelly’s eyes flew wide, fat tears spilling down her cheeks. She looked like a fragile stalk of cabbage beaten down by the storm, pitiful and helpless.
“Carter…”
Before she could say more, Sharon spoke again.
“Kelly, weren’t you leaving? What’s the matter? Don’t feel like leaving anymore? Or… you don’t know where the exit is?”
With that, she called for a staff member.
“This lady seems unfamiliar with the way out. Please show her.”
The staff responded with impeccable politeness. “Of course.”
She approached Kelly with a courteous smile. “Miss, would you like me to take you to the dressing room first?”
Kelly clenched her fists so tightly that her nails snapped against her palms, yet she felt no pain. She lowered her gaze, hiding the venom in her eyes. Her desire to see Sharon ruined grew fiercer.
Once Kelly had left, Theo finally explained why he had slipped away earlier.
“Mom, I accidentally dropped the charm you gave me. I saw it fall not far off, so I ran to get it…”
He opened his small palm.
Sure enough, a dampened charm lay in his hand.
Sharon froze for a moment. “Didn’t you give it to Kelly?”
Theo muttered, “I only lent it to Kelly. You gave it to me, Mom. I shouldn’t have let anyone else keep it. So I asked her to return it
to me.”
Sharon pressed her lips together, silent. After a while, she said softly, “Next time, if you need to fetch something, tell your father or me first, all right?”
Theo nodded sensibly. “I understand. From now on, I’ll always tell you first. I don’t want you and Dad to worry.”
Sharon let the matter drop.
Since both Theo and Thomas had been caught in the rain, they went to bathe and change into dry clothes.
Just as Thomas finished changing, he noticed a slender, all-too-familiar figure standing at the doorway. He lifted a brow and walked over.
“You haven’t left yet?”
Resentment burned in Kelly’s eyes. “Thomas, did you see it? Did you see how Sharon humiliated me just now? In front of everyone, she left me no way to save face! She’s bullying me, Thoinas. She’s bullying me!”
Her chest heaved violently, her emotions spinning beyond her control.
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Kelly longed to see Sharon eliminated once and for all.
“Thomas, since you’ve already gained her trust, why not get rid of her as soon as possible? The longer we wait, the more unpredictable things will become!”
Thomas frowned slightly.
“Kelly, this is a human life you’re talking about, not an ant you can crush beneath your shoe. If killing her were so easy, would I have gone to such lengths to get close to her in the first place?” 1
Kelly blurted out, “We could make it look like an accident!”
Thomas’s tone came out slow and lazy. “All right.”
Her heart leapt, but before she could savor the thought, he added, “I can provide manpower. How you carry it out will be entirely up to you.”
Her expression faltered. She drew in a deep breath.
“Thomas, I can’t possibly do it alone. Sharon is far too cunning. I’d be exposed in no time.”
She hesitated, then pressed on. “But you… you’re clever enough to pull it off. And since you’re by her side now, it would be even easier for you.”
Thomas cast her a cold and cutting sidelong glance. He could see right through her. This was nothing but a ploy to make him do the dirty work. Still, he couldn’t be bothered to argue.
“Kelly, if you want my help, you’ll follow my lead. If you dislike my plan, then I’ll lend you people, and you can handle it yourself. But…”
His lips curved into a strange, dangerous smile. “Don’t try to have it both ways. I hate being ordered around.”
Her fury evaporated as if doused by a bucket of ice water. In an instant, clarity returned.
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “I lost control for a moment. I wasn’t doubting you. I was just… just too angry. Sharon has gone too far…”
She dared not offend Thomas. She needed him. Yet the memory of him serving Sharon water not long ago still gnawed at her, leaving her unsettled.
Thomas stood unmoving, expression calm as ever. Even when she came to him in secret, he showed no hint of anxiety, no fear of discovery. A man like him… was impossible to control.
Then, without warning, he said, “Frankly, I think Sharon did nothing wrong.”
His words startled her. Her heart tightened in panic.
“But… but she humiliated me. You really think she wasn’t at fault?”
Thomas said, “Given the relationship between you two, I’d say she was being lenient for not slapping you. If it had been my enemy meddling in my household, I’d make damn sure they never lived to see the sunrise.”
Kelly went speechless.
His logic was utterly twisted.
“And another thing,” he added. “That son of hers…. he’s asking for trouble. Already kidnapped once, and still running around? If he were mine, I’d have broken his legs by now.”
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Kelly remained speechless.
Right. She had nearly forgotten-Thomas’s creed was survival of the fittest. He believed everything could be solved with violence. If a beating didn’t work, it was only because the blow hadn’t been heavy enough. And if even that failed, then the person simply wasn’t worth keeping alive.
Kelly’s eyes flickered as she quickly changed tactics. “Thomas, I’ve been practicing ‘First Love,’ the piece you like. When you’re free, I’ll play it for you.”
He didn’t refuse. “Fine. I’ll reach out when I have time. Anything else? If not, I’ll be going.”
She had taken a risk meeting him tonight, only to walk away with so little. Bitterness welled up inside her, but she could do nothing except watch him leave.
Meanwhile, Sharon had never been busier.
She had to prepare for her concert and train for competitions, leaving no room in her mind for Lex and Nate. The fierce clash between the Malcolms and the Hendricks family went unnoticed by her until Wendy called with breaking news.
“Sharon, did you hear? The Malcolm Group has struck against the Hendricks Group!”
Sharon arched a brow. “Lex really moved against them?”
“Yes. I’m not in the business circle, so I don’t know firsthand. I heard it from John.”
John, now shadowing his father, had begun handling business affairs and had far sharper sources than Wendy.
Sharon had, in truth, staged events earlier with the intent of setting them against each other. But she hadn’t expected Lex to play along so swiftly.
She asked, “Did Nate provoke him again? Reveal some scandal to push him over the edge?”
“No.” Wendy lowered her voice. “Word is that car accident Lex had… it was orchestrated by Nate.” 1
Though Sharon had long suspected as much, the confirmation still startled her.
“Is the news reliable?” she asked.
“Very,” Wendy affirmed. “John heard it straight from his father, who in turn overheard Uriah himself. Apparently, Lex investigated personally and confirmed it. Nate had already targeted Uriah before, so Lex has no reason to hold back.
“Now, the Hendricks family’s stocks are plummeting, their orders intercepted. The company’s on the brink of collapse.”
Sharon asked, “What about Carter and Julliard? Did either of them step in to help?”
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Wendy said, “The Macaron Group tried to stabilize the stock market, but their strength wasn’t enough. Within a week, the Hendricks Group’s stocks collapsed again.
As for the Biggs Group… according to John, they haven’t made a move yet.
But the Hendricks Group isn’t completely cornered either. After all, most of their contracts rely on Biggs Group. Unless Lex brings Biggs Group down with them, it won’t be easy to drive the Hendricks Group into total ruin. And since Carter’s main business is domestic, crippling them won’t be as simple as Lex thinks.”
Sharon nodded in understanding.
Carter might be a scoundrel, but when it came to running a company, he had a sharp mind-far superior to the incompetent.
Nate.
Wendy suddenly remembered something and added, “Oh, right. Sharon, not long ago, Maestro Warner publicly announced he would be a special guest at Kelly’s concert…”
Sharon paused in silence for several seconds. “For his last student, he’s certainly gone to great lengths.”
Wendy snorted. “Kelly really knows how to flatter. Look at someone like Maestro Warner-an elder of the music world. Every student he accepted in the past had extraordinary talent. Even as his students, they carried themselves with arrogance and would never lower their worth too much, even in front of him.
“But Kelly is different. By rights, her talent should never have qualified her to be his student. Aside from her skill at coaxing people, I can’t imagine why he’d go so far to support her. Unless… Kelly once saved his life?”
Wendy had spoken in jest, but by coincidence, her speculation wasn’t far from the truth.
Thanks to the opportunities Carter had arranged and Thomas’s deliberate orchestration, Kelly had indeed managed to save Maestro Warner in a critical moment. While it wasn’t exactly a life-debt, her willingness to take risks and act selflessly had moved him deeply.
Warner concluded that with such character, Kelly couldn’t be entirely lacking in worth.
At that moment, three foreigners had just exited the airport and headed straight to Maestro Warner’s residence. Two men and one woman-all his students. They each enjoyed immense prestige in the music world and were no less renowned than Shayla.
Though none appeared older than thirty-five, their names carried weight across international stages.
Seated together in the car, they began to chat about their newly accepted “junior sister.”
“At last, we’ll finally get to meet her. I can’t wait!”
“Teacher’s standards are notoriously strict. Anyone he accepts as his final student must surpass even us. I’m genuinely eager to see her for myself.”
“By the way,” the only woman among them suddenly interjected, frowning in puzzlement, “I actually received a guest invitation from Zachemaine to attend this year’s International Music Exchange Competition… What do you suppose that means? Why would they invite me just to watch?”
The blond man chuckled. “You’re not the only one. Both of us received invitations too. Otherwise, what did you think? That we came all this way just to see our new junior sister?
“David barely has time to sleep on normal days. No matter how outstanding she is, he wouldn’t abandon his workload just to
come here.”
The woman blinked in realization. “Ah, so that’s why you both agreed so easily when I invited you to visit Maestro Warner. But
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still, I don’t get it. What’s the point of Zachemaine inviting us?”
The brown-haired man smiled faintly. “Isn’t it obvious? They want to show us that, at long last, Zachemaine has produced a truly formidable contestant… someone capable of standing on equal footing with the best from other countries. That’s why they want us to witness it firsthand.”
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The foreign woman froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.
“Right, I almost forgot. Our little junior is from Zachemaine. If Teacher accepted her as his student, that alone proves she’s exceptional. At last, Zachemaine has someone worth showcasing, not just John.”
The blond man added, “Speaking of which, I heard a while back that Zachemaine produced a remarkable newcomer… someone named Sharon? I watched one of her videos. She’s got real skill. If she competes, I’d honestly be excited to see how the contestants from Zachemaine will perform this year.”
By now, the three of them were towering figures in the industry. They were usually invited as mentors or judges; it had been years since they stood on stage as contestants themselves.
The brown-haired man smiled. “Teacher’s students are scattered across the globe. Many end up representing their countries in competitions. Watching our juniors battle each other… it has its own charm.”
Chatting as they went, the three soon arrived at Maestro Warner’s residence.
Kelly already knew her senior brothers and sister would be visiting today, so she had been waiting for quite some time. When the three stepped into the front hall, they saw her sitting with Maestro Warner, chatting animatedly. Whatever she said had the old maestro roaring with laughter.
All three stopped short, exchanging startled glances. Maestro Warner was famously strict and austere. They rarely saw him smile, let alone laugh so openly.
Aside from Maestro Warner and Kelly, another student was also present-Niel Albero.
Around thirty, a native of the country Rentresca, he specialized in piano and had earned renown as a formidable pianist. At this moment, his gaze lingered on Kelly with undisguised fondness as he smiled at the lively exchange between her and their
teacher.
“Teacher,” the foreign woman called.
Only then did Maestro Warner notice the three arrivals. Beaming, he said, “Ah, you’re here. Come, come-meet your little junior sister.”
Niel rose quickly, greeting them with a polite bow.
“Senior brothers, senior sister, it’s good to see you.”
He had been accepted as a student only in recent years. Though he had met these three before, they were not particularly close.
The foreign woman, Reina Stahl, smiled warmly. “So you’re here too, Niel.”
“Yes,” Niel replied, his tone respectful. “I heard Teacher had come to Amstern City for an exchange, and since I wasn’t far from Zachemaine, and I had nothing pressing on hand, I flew here to see him.”
After introducing Kelly to Reina and the others, Maestro Warner invited them all to sit.
The blond man, Johnny Chaplin, leaned forward impatiently.
“Teacher, since you’ve been in Amstern City, have you heard of a Zachemanian girl named Sharon? Her performance of First Love has gone viral overseas. They say she’s the closest anyone has come to matching the original. No one else compares.”
At the mention of Sharon’s name, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Expressions stiffened. Silence fell, heavy and unnatural.
Johnny and Reina exchanged a puzzled glance.
“Did I… say something wrong?” Johnny ventured.
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It was Niel who finally broke the stillness.
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“The Sharon you speak of is a popular internet celebrity in Zachemaine. She has a huge following online. As for her true ability… well, perhaps you’d best treat it as entertainment. How much of what’s on the internet can really be trusted?”
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Reina caught the implication in Niel’s words. Her face fell with disappointment. “So you’re saying… all that skill we saw in her videos was fake?”
Niel gave a light laugh. “Exactly. Her so-called talent is nothing more than hype fabricated by the internet.”
Johnny frowned, unwilling to accept it. On their way here, the three of them had spoken of Sharon at length. 1
Though none of them specialized in the violin, as top-tier musicians, they were all proficient in multiple instruments. Warner’s apprentices, after all, were often musical polymaths.
Even Sharon herself had passed the Grade Eight piano exam with ease. Had she continued her studies instead of marrying young, reaching Grade Ten would have been only a matter of time.
Reina, Johnny, and David were all adept violinists. Their achievements rested not only on skill but also on a profound love for music. For their current trip to Amstern City, they had hoped to exchange ideas with other accomplished violinists.
Reina hesitated, then said, “But I’ve seen her videos. They don’t feel like something exaggerated by internet hype.”
Johnny nodded quickly. “I follow her social media. I’ve watched every performance she’s uploaded. She’s a remarkable violinist.
Niel snorted softly. “And you actually believe what you see online? With technology as advanced as it is now, even live broadcasts can be polished by sound engineers on the spot. Videos are hardly worth anything. For all you know, the music was
dubbed in after the fact.
“Besides… Sharon only has a middle school education. She spent the next five years as a housewife, never touching her violin. And now, suddenly, she can play at such a level? Do you truly believe that? If she were truly gifted, why didn’t Teacher take her in as his student?”
The three turned toward Maestro Warner, their expressions questioning.
“Teacher, is that true?” Reina asked.
Warner’s gaze flickered. He had seen Sharon perform. She undeniably possessed skill-perhaps even rivaling Kelly’s. Yet he had always felt that no matter how strong one’s ability, without integrity, it was meaningless. Such brilliance would be fleeting, like a shooting star, dazzling for a moment before vanishing into darkness.
Still… Niel’s words planted a seed of doubt. Could Sharon have cheated?
Cheating during a live performance was difficult, but not impossible. She could stand on stage, violin in hand, feigning immersion in the music while a pre-recorded, perfectly edited track played from behind the scenes.
Her ex-husband, Carter, and Uriah both stood firmly in her corner. With men of their influence, arranging such deception would hardly be a challenge. D
He had never considered the possibility before. But given his understanding of Sharon’s character, the idea no longer seemed far
-fetched.
Warner suppressed the thought. He had always refrained from speaking without evidence. After a long moment, he said evenly, “I have interacted with her. As for her true skill, I cannot yet make a fair judgment. But her personality is far too arrogant, and I find her character lacking. No matter her talent, I would never accept her as a student.”
Niel quickly followed up. “And don’t forget, Sharon is Shayla’s daughter. She parades around with her late mother’s violin, using it as a tool to boost her fame. If she’s willing to exploit even her deceased mother, what does that say about her character?”
Johnny’s eyes widened in shock. “She’s Shayla’s daughter?”
Reina, too, stared in disbelief. “She’s… Shayla’s daughter? How have I never heard of this?”
Niel shrugged. “She hasn’t pushed that narrative abroad yet. But within Zachemaine’s circles, almost everyone knows. My guess is she’s afraid she lacks true ability and worries that foreign circles would see right through her.”
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“After all, no matter how powerful she thinks she is, her reach can’t extend that far. At most, she can strut around here for show,
“Niel said.
At that moment, Kelly, who had been silent all along, finally spoke.
“Everything else I could perhaps overlook, but her disrespect toward our teacher… that I simply cannot accept.”
She then recounted in detail how, during the last competition, Sharon had shown not the slightest respect toward Maestro
Warner.
As they listened, everyone’s brows knitted tighter and tighter, their favorable impressions of Sharon vanishing without a trace.
Rena let out a cold huff. “For someone like her to be active in the music world is a disgrace to musicians everywhere.”
Johnny added, “I’ve already accepted Zachemaine’s invitation this time. Didn’t Kelly just say she’s competing as well? If she dares to treat our teacher with such arrogance, I want to see just how insolent she really is.”
The brown-haired man, David Astor, joined in with a hard edge to his voice. “To think she’d even exploit her late mother’s name for attention… This ignorant girl needs to be taught a proper lesson.”
At their indignant faces, Kelly’s lips curved ever so slightly, a smile so faint it was almost invisible.
Maestro Warner, who disliked idle gossip and backbiting, cut them off.
“Enough. Let’s not speak of this anymore. Change the subject.”
Reluctantly, the group shifted topics.
Suddenly, David seemed to recall something and turned to Maestro Warner.
“Teacher, coming to Zachemaine for musical exchange was secondary, wasn’t it? Wasn’t your main purpose to find Star? Have you found them?”
At the mention of that name, Kelly’s heart jolted violently.
Star? Wasn’t that Sharon? Why on earth would Maestro Warner be looking for her?
Her breath quickened, and without realizing it, she clenched her sleeve so tightly her knuckles went white.
Maestro Warner shook his head. “No.”
Rena asked curiously, “You’re unfamiliar with this place. Didn’t you ask anyone to help investigate?”
“I did,” Warner replied. “I asked Carter Biggs to look into it, but he couldn’t find anything either.”
After taking Kelly as his final student, Warner had once mentioned Star to Carter. Carter had agreed to search, but even he turned up nothing. If someone of Carter’s standing couldn’t find her, Warner could only give up for now.
Cautiously, Kelly ventured, “Teacher… why are you looking for Star?”
Warner’s expression softened. “I greatly admire a few of Star’s circulating compositions. I came this time hoping to purchase the adaptation rights. Ah… what a pity.”
The conversation then shifted to Star’s works, their words carrying unconcealed reverence and admiration.
Even though, back during the composition competition, Star had humiliated them soundly for their arrogance, none of them harbored resentment. If anything, it was a strange mix of awe and begrudging; admiration.
They even wished Star would return to the stage and crush them once more.
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Even the proud and exacting Maestro Warner spoke of Star with nothing but praise.
As their discussion grew more animated, the group eventually moved into Warner’s music room to play together.
Warner owned property in Zachemaine, and his music room was fully equipped with instruments.
Rena, Johnny, David, and Niel picked up different instruments and joined in a lively ensemble, performing a rendition of First Love-a piece that made Kelly feel sick to her stomach.
Right then, she was so relieved that Sharon hadn’t agreed to put Star’s name on the three songs as the composer when she sold them to Kelly.
If Warner ever learned that Sharon was Star, Kelly’s painstaking efforts would be reduced to nothing.
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Maestro Warner stayed for lunch. After lunch, the guests began to take their leave.
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Having endured more than ten hours of flight, Reina and the others were utterly exhausted and needed days to recover from the jet lag, so they headed to the hotel to rest.
After bidding farewell to Reina’s group, Kelly was just about to leave when Niel called out to her.
He smiled. “Kelly, allow me to take you home.”
Niel’s features were handsome-though not as striking as Carter, Thomas, or Nate, his family background more than made up for it. Kelly welcomed the chance to befriend him.
She had long since noticed Niel’s feelings for her. And she never rejected his attentiveness.
Carter was growing colder toward her, Thomas refused to be controlled, and Nate was currently locked in a vicious struggle with Lex, unable to spare her any attention.
The realization hit her hard: she had no reliable ally left at her side.
In contrast, Sharon had Xavier, John, and even the Kalen family backing her. Now, even Julliard seemed to be secretly lending a hand.
It had to be Sharon who was reeling them all in, stringing along these men so they would shield her so fiercely.
Kelly flashed a smile and nodded. “Thank you, Niel.”
Sharon made it into the finals.
News of her advancement made the trending lists more than once, and the internet buzzed with praise, calling her a goddess who embodied both beauty and strength.
Under Wendy’s careful management, Sharon’s social media presence flourished. No matter the platform, her followers had already surpassed ten million.
Kelly, thanks to the early publicity from Carter and Nate, had amassed a respectable fanbase. Yet her followers lacked loyalty. They came from all walks of life, but not many were willing to actually buy tickets to her concerts.
That day, Wendy rushed to Sharon in high spirits.
“Sharon! We opened the first round of presales for the concert today. In just five minutes, all tickets were sold out!”
Her voice trembled with excitement. “This concert will be on a far greater scale than John’s ever was! I’m planning to open the second round of presales next week. And-”
Something seemed to strike her, and she burst out laughing.
“Kelly launched her presales a full day earlier than us, clearly trying to steal our audience. But her tickets sat unsold for an entire day. Only after we opened presales did hers suddenly ‘sell out.’ I’d bet anything she hired ghost buyers to cover the
embarrassment.”
Sharon, too, was surprised.
A concert was not like a pop star’s show-acceptance was lower, especially in Zachemaine, where celebrity idols easily outshone musicians in popularity. That her tickets had sold out so quickly felt almost unreal.
Wendy’s eyes were alight. “It’s all thanks to this competition. You’ve made it into the finals, slapped back those trolls who
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claimed you survived only on luck and looks.”
Her fists clenched with restrained excitement. “Sharon, if you win the championship, our concert will be a resounding, unprecedented success! With your capabilities, victory should be within reach.
“As for Kelly… so what if she has Maestro Warner behind her? The audience doesn’t buy it.”
Having worked as a manager for years, Wendy had seen every trick in the book. Kelly’s clumsy data manipulation could never escape her notice.
And she was right.
At that very moment, Kelly was on the phone with Thomas.
“Thomas, thank you for your help this time. Without you, I would’ve been humiliated.” 1
The frenzy around Sharon’s ticket sales had left Kelly reeling. She had assumed that with Maestro Warner’s support, she was bound to outshine Sharon, especially since she had opened presales a whole day earlier.
Yet after a full day, only half her tickets had been sold.
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Sharon’s tickets sold out within five minutes, and netizens were already clamoring to know when the next batch would be released. The contrast could not have been starker.
Was her sudden fame really only because she had made it to the finals?
But Kelly had entered the finals too. 1
Kelly refused to lose face in front of Carter, to let him think she was inferior to Sharon. So, she first tried calling Nate.
But Nate, having provoked the Malcolm family, was under strict confinement by his father. After barely exchanging a few words, someone from the Hendricks household seized the phone and ended the call.
Kelly dared not trouble Maestro Warner again. For him to agree to be her special guest was already more than generous. If she went back begging for help, wouldn’t it only expose how little influence she truly had compared to Sharon?
With no other choice, she turned to Thomas. She hadn’t expected much, but to her surprise, not only did he agree without
hesitation, he even offered her a clever solution.
“Instead of asking others to promote your concert and push people to buy tickets-a strategy that rarely works-why not buy up the remaining tickets yourself? If you can claim the championship before the concert, demand will skyrocket. People will pay high prices just to get a seat. I’ll handle the resale, and we might even make a profit.
“If sales still don’t meet expectations, don’t worry. I’ll cover the rest. My men will distribute the tickets to their families and friends. At the very least, you won’t have to suffer the humiliation of a half-empty hall.”
Kelly had to admit, Thomas was a shrewd businessman-quick-witted and pragmatic. She had only thought of hiring publicity to boost sales; it hadn’t occurred to her that she could simply secure the tickets herself.
“However…” Thomas’s tone shifted. “Having Maestro Warner’s endorsement certainly raises your profile and draws the industry’s attention. But the circle of professionals is limited. If you want to surpass Sharon, you need the championship. That’s the only way.”
Kelly bit down hard, silent but seething. To beat Sharon was easier said than done. She hated to admit it, but Sharon’s talent did outshine her own.
Fortunately…
A cold gleam flashed in her eyes. With Maestro Warner’s other students slated to appear as guest performers, perhaps they could tip the scales in her favor.
This competition would select the top ten performers to advance to the finals. And since the finalists would later face challengers from other countries-essentially a battle of countries-the stakes were higher than ever.
Even lesser-known matches drew significant attention when international rivals were involved. Netizens were already buzzing online.
[I can’t believe John didn’t enter this year. He’s the only reason we’ve managed to avoid last place before. Without him, aren’t we doomed?]
[Have you heard? The violinist representing Marcentine is Victoria Kalen. She’s stunning, gitted, and the Kalen family’s heiress. Word is, she’s also a fierce racecar driver!]
[I know about Marcentine’s piano representative-Ginny Blakely, another heiress. Rumor has it she’ll be engaged to the Kalen family’s eldest son by the end of the year. A perfect power match! Now that’s how love stories are supposed to go.]
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[Speaking of pianists, what about Rentresca’s Niel Albero? He seems pretty formidable too… Sigh, our country at least had violinists worth showing off in the past. But now that John is gone, even that looks grim.]
[Not necessarily. We still have Sharon. She’s a rising star this year, and she’s as good as Victoria.]
[Oh, please. Sharon’s fame is nothing but hype. If you’re talking about real skill, look at Kelly Walt. She’s Warner’s final student.
]
[Exactly! If Sharon were truly that talented, why wouldn’t Maestro Warner have taken her as his student?]
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The audience buzzed with speculation. Opinions flew from every corner. The more famous Sharon became, the fiercer the
controversies around her flared.
But none of it touched her.
Soon, the day of the finals arrived.
To prevent a clash between top contenders-where the unlucky would simply hand second and third place to weaker rivals-the
competition adopted a points system rather than a knockout format.
The ten finalists would face a grueling schedule: solo performances, ensemble collaborations, and a full round-robin of head-to-
head duels. Every match added or withheld points, and only through this trial of endurance, skill, and nerve would the champion,
runner-up, and third-place winner emerge.
For the competitors, it was not just a test of talent; it was a battle of stamina and mental fortitude.
Sharon had secured her place in the finals.
On the day of the match, Wendy, Casey, John, Xavier, and Matty came to cheer her on. The venue was packed to the last seat, and
among the sea of faces, foreign spectators stood out in surprising numbers.
This time, Maestro Warner himself had been invited to deliver the opening address. He spoke at length, his words meant to rouse
spirits and inspire confidence.
On stage, nearly every contestant beamed with excitement, nerves trembling through them so strongly that some visibly shook.
Sharon remained calm. She wasn’t surprised.
Once, she too had idolized Maestro Warner. Though the illusion had long since shattered, her respect for his achievements had
not. His mastery in the field was undeniable and unreachable.
When Warner finished his speech, the host smiled and asked, “Maestro Warner, rumor has it your final student is competing
today, and she is considered the top favorite for the championship. What are your thoughts on this?”
Warner, a man of decades-long fame and unshakable poise, answered smoothly with polite platitudes, his high emotional
intelligence on full display.
Yet in the audience, John frowned.
“Bringing up Warner’s student so openly before the competition even begins? That puts enormous psychological pressure on the other contestants. It’s hardly fair.”
Wendy had seen her fair share of this kind of treatment.
“Fairness? In this world, it hardly exists. Warner being invited to give the speech at all-don’t you think it was arranged precisely
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to elevate Kelly’s standing?”
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Something flickered in John’s eyes. He whispered, “I heard from contacts in the circle that of the four special guest judges for this
final, three are Warner’s students.”
Special guests weren’t chosen lightly-their status in the field had to be undeniable. And of those qualified to sit as judges or
mentors, at least half had ties to Warner. If not directly his protégés, they had studied under him, or under his students.
Warner’s influence was woven so deeply into the industry that it was nearly absolute.
Wendy’s brows furrowed.
“Then… will they try to trip Sharon up? Or worse… hand Kelly an easy advantage?”
“Not openly,” John said. “With so many eyes on them, they wouldn’t dare. But whether they’ll make things harder for Sharon…
that’s another matter.” 2
When Warner stepped down, the competition officially began.
To stoke drama and buzz, the organizers had shuffled the schedule. Instead of solos opening the first day, the finals kicked off
with the head-to-head round-robin matches.
Each player would face every other twice, giving the judges a chance to observe whether contestants showed growth or stagnation
in the short span between duels.
Though not an elimination round, the format was brutal.
Winners earned ten points. Losers received nothing.
In other words-lose, and you walked away empty-handed. But win consistently, and your score would soar beyond reach, leaving
the rest to trail helplessly behind, a gulf widening with each match.
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Chapter 678
After the host finished announcing the rules, the ten contestants each drew lots.
Whoever pulled the same number would face off as opponents that day.
Sharon unfolded her slip of paper.
Number One.
The host’s voice rang out, “Contestant holding Number One, please step forward. Who are you?”
Sharon took a step forward and revealed her number. To her surprise, the other person stepping out was none other than Kelly.
An enemy, right from the start.
“Whoa!” Wendy’s eyes widened in excitement. “Sharon’s luck is insane! First day of the competition, and she gets to crush Kelly
into the ground. What better way to make a grand debut?”
And what could possibly feel better than humiliating Kelly in an official competition-before Maestro Warner, and before a
worldwide audience?
After all, today’s event was being broadcast live.
The thought alone made Wendy’s blood burn with anticipation. They had endured Kelly’s arrogance for far too long.
The fact that Warner had accepted someone like her as his student only proved that his glory days were already over.
When Sharon met Kelly’s gaze, her brows arched ever so slightly. Then, the corner of her lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
She and Wendy were thinking the same thing. To encounter Kelly on the very first day of the competition was nothing short of a
stroke of luck.
Kelly, however, looked far from pleased.
She had already lost to Sharon once before. Though it hadn’t been during an official match, to Kelly, losing to Sharon was the
greatest humiliation of her life.
Even knowing Sharon was the Kalen family’s heiress, she still refused to believe that Sharon was superior to her in any way.
Sharon didn’t deserve a better life than her.
By then, Maestro Warner had returned to his seat. Beside him sat Reina, Johnny, David, and Niel.
Reina leaned forward with a gleam in her eyes. “Perfect! Kelly drew that shallow internet celebrity. This time, we’ll get to see her face smashed into the dirt.”
Johnny added, “I’ve been curious about Kelly’s true ability. Finally, I’ll get to witness her brilliance firsthand.”
David simply encouraged, “Kelly, go for it!”
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As for Niel, he simply gazed at the figure on stage with open admiration. In his eyes, there was no way that a woman propped up only by hype could possibly defeat Kelly.
Only Maestro Warner’s expression betrayed a flicker of unease between his brows.
Sharon and Kelly soon went backstage to prepare.
Ever since becoming Warner’s student, Kelly’s violin skills had improved by leaps and bounds under his guidance.
If Sharon were still stuck at the level she had been back in the kindergarten talent showcase, Kelly was certain she would win. The
thought bolstered her confidence.
Because they were performing on the same stage, Sharon was the first to go up.
In the past, she had always been assigned to play toward the end of a program. This was her first time opening a competition.
Countless eyes fixed on her as she took her place.
This was not like the final-slot performances, when the audience would grow restless-checking phones, whispering, or even
slipping out for air.
This time, every gaze was locked on her.
It was the first time in five years she had felt the full weight of being the center of attention.
For a moment, Sharon’s mind drifted.
It felt so good.
She was finally back where she belonged-on stage.
Sharon dipped into a graceful bow to the audience, then gently touched her strings, letting the first notes rise into the air.
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From Sharon’s violin flowed a stream of music so exquisite it seemed to breathe life into the air itself.
This time, she did not play First Love. Instead, she chose another of her own compositions-Moonlight over the Sea.
The notes drifted out, delicate and luminous, like sprites leaping into being. They spiraled through the hall, wrapping the competition venue in a hushed enchantment.
Compared with the sorrow of First Love, Moonlight over the Sea carried a softer, calmer grace.
In the eyes of the audience, an image slowly took shape.
A tranquil sea stretched wide beneath the glow of a flawless new moon. The gentle rush of waves seemed to wash away the
audience’s restless anxieties.
The surface of the water rocked lightly, and the moon’s reflection shimmered in rhythm, as if reminding everyone that in the face
of such natural beauty, every burden and worry lost its weight.
Sharon’s music wove a spell, drawing every soul into its tide.
And she, in the midst of performance, seemed transformed.
At that moment, Sharon was like the distant moon itself-serene, untouchable, her entire being cloaked in a soft radiance that
made it impossible to look away.
For the audience, there was no one else. Only her.
John, who often practiced with Sharon, recognized Moonlight over the Sea. Lately, she had been practicing with renewed vigor,
and her skill had already recovered to seventy or eighty percent of its peak.
But even that seventy or eighty percent still eclipsed his own ability.
Gazing at the figure on stage, John-famously hailed as a genius-couldn’t help but murmur, “Sharon truly is a prodigy.”
Reina and the others, who had been waiting for Sharon to embarrass herself, started out scoffing and making idle remarks. But as
time passed, surprise crept across their faces.
And soon, even they could not resist being swept away by her music.
Only Maestro Warner sat in silence, eyes fixed on the stage, his expression shadowed with thought.
When the final note faded, silence lingered, deep and resonant.
Then someone clapped.
Like a spark in dry grass, applause erupted-thunderous and unrelenting, shaking the hall.
Faces everywhere glowed with awe, as if still caught in the music’s afterglow.
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“Already? That ended too soon. I could have listened forever.”
“What’s the name of that piece? I’ve never heard it before.”
“Neither have I. Has anyone?”
Whispers rippled through the crowd, but not a single person knew its title.
“How strange. For a piece this beautiful, no one knows where it came from?”
“Weren’t people saying Sharon’s talent was all hype? After hearing her today, I wouldn’t be surprised if she took the championship.”
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“I thought the same! The online rumors sounded so convincing-that she had powerful backing, that her videos were heavily edited… and I actually believed them.”
“Bah, online gossip is never worth trusting.”
While the audience chattered, the host stepped back onto the stage, smiling.
This year’s organizers were determined to boost attention. They had even borrowed from variety show formats, adding dramatic
twists and gimmicks.
The competition featured not only a panel of judges, but also live online voting.
Viewers could select the contestant they believed strongest.
The votes, however, would not affect the official results-this was no debut talent show. In the end, true skill outweighed
popularity.
Even so, the contestant with the highest popularity score earned a coveted prize: the chance to travel abroad with the national
team.
They might not compete, but to witness the duels between international masters firsthand was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not only to learn but to forge connections with the finest talents from around the world.
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Chapter 680
The moment the new rule was announced, it sparked heated discussion and wide approval.
If the popularity vote had any direct impact on the competition, it would be unfair to the other contestants. Worse, it could lead to vote rigging and other underhanded tactics.
But if the vote existed without any meaningful reward, then it would serve no purpose at all.
So the organizers devised this clever compromise.
Sharon’s performance had barely ended. Before she could even give her remarks, her popularity votes surged like a tidal wave, so
fast the voting page nearly froze. At the same time, livestream viewership spiked, the frenzy rivaling that of top-tier internet
celebrities.
After all, in an age obsessed with appearances, who could resist a young woman so breathtakingly beautiful, brimming with
elegance and poise? Her beauty wasn’t the cookie-cutter kind of an online influencer-it was striking, unforgettable, impossible
to ignore.
In the control room, the production head stared at the screen, trembling with excitement.
“Director! It’s blowing up… completely blowing up!”
The director’s name was Fabian Leon, a mid-tier, long-overlooked filmmaker in his fifties. Honest to the point of bluntness, he
despised fakery of any kind. But such a rigid personality won him little favor in the industry.
Because he refused to play the game, he had no place in the major shows, nor even the mainstream television circuit.
In this era, nearly every so-called “fair” talent show or competition was scripted to some degree. Fabian rejected that, which left
him stagnant for decades-unrecognized, underutilized, and without a single breakout work to his name.
This time, however, the stakes were different. The competition was set to face off against international players. The organizers
could not afford to send out hollow “connections” propped up by favoritism, only to embarrass the nation abroad.
You could bribe domestic judges and competitors, but never foreign ones,
A few years ago, when Zachemain’s musicians last competed against international talent, they finished dead last. The disgrace stemmed from the rot of domestic corruption: organizers, judges, and even contestants were all bought out.
At its peak, the scandal was so absurd that anyone willing to pay enough could secure a guaranteed slot in the finals.
Those so-called “champions” were hyped as prodigies, yet the moment they set foot on the world stage, their true mediocrity was
laid bare.
Back then, the tournament still followed a knockout format. Talented contestants who refused to be bought were quietly eliminated through rigged brackets.
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The rot festered for five years before it was finally exposed. When the truth came to light, the entire competition came under strict
investigation. Every guilty party was brought to trial.
Justice may arrive late, but it never fails to arrive.
In the wake of the scandal, the event’s reputation crumbled. Disillusioned, the true talents stopped entering altogether. Public
interest plummeted.
Even after the organizers replaced every judge, director, and instructor, the competition never fully recovered. The level of talent
remained lackluster… until John appeared.
This year, the organizers brought in Fabian precisely because he couldn’t be bought, because he refused to lie.
Still, after years of suppression and neglect, he had little to his name, which was why he’d been relegated to managing the online broadcast segment. The idea of rewarding the popularity vote had been his brainchild.
Now, as the music faded and the applause still echoed in his ears, Fabian felt lighter than he had in years. A good piece of music
had that effect-it could lift the heart.
He pushed open the control room door, still buoyed by the lingering melody, only to hear the staffer shouting at the top of his lungs, pointing at the screen.
“Director, look! We’ve gone viral!”
Fabian froze, not understanding.
‘Gone viral? What do you mean, gone
viral?”
12:18 PM Tue 2 Sep
