Chapter 40
respect for
Celeste struck the floor with a heavy thud. "The only reason I kept you by my side to learn the piano was out of respe your Rowland family, but you've thrown my words aside, she said, her gaze icy. With that. Celeste slammed the sheet music from the piano to the ground.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
This was the first time Celeste, usually composed and elegant in from of the media, had ever lost her temper like this.
"So let me be clear: even if I throw these scores away or burn them, I don't want you playing thern. You have broken our promise, and from now on. I no longer have you as a student!" Celeste continued. "Master!" Emmalie's face turned pale, her body swaying as if she could barely hold herself up.
Thea understood her well. Emmalie wasn't this upset just because she was losing Celeste as a master. It was because Celeste had publicly aired her dirty laundry. For someone as proud as Emmalie, that was worse than death. Moreover, Thea had called Celeste here intentionally. The Rowland family didn't know much about Celeste, but Thea did.
Celeste valued her reputation above all else. Years ago, although she had a bit of fame, it was nothing compared to the wealth of the Rowland family.
At that time. Celester's only sister was gravely ill, and they relied on the tuition money provided by the Rowland family for her surgery. Ivy, desperate to have Celeste take Emmalie on as a student, had even resorted to threats.
If Celeste refused to teach Emmalie, Ivy would make it impossible for her to live in Sarlimar. Eventually, Celeste received the money, and her sister was saved. But that threat lingered like a thorn in Celeste's heart.
Today was just an opportunity for Celeste to vent her frustrations. And Ivy never imagined her intention to please Emmalie would backfire spectacularly.
Thea supported the swaying Celeste hurriedly and called for a doctor quickly.
Suddenly, a glare filled with intense hatred fell on Thea. She lifted her head fearlessly, meeting Emmalie's gaze with indifference.
Tears streamed down Emmalie's face as she trembled, her voice breaking. "Thea, I really don't know what I can do for you to let me go. Haven't you done enough to get back at me all these years? Fine, I'll give you my life. That's enough? That's what you want?"
With that, Emmalie went limp and collapsed.
Even Celeste, who was older and still standing despite her anger remained upright. But instantly, she passed out too.
Those who had initially harbored doubts about Emmalie changed their tune quickly.
"I find this whole situation odd. I suspect Thea bribed Celeste to humiliate Emmalie. Poor Emmalic, bullied by her sister like this
"Seriously? Do you even know Celeste's temperament? How could such a proud person be bought? I think Thea probably said something bad about Emmalie in front of her."
"I can't believe Celeste would listen to a bitch's words and give up her student. Oh my God!"
Thea couldn't be bothered with them. Soon, the doctor arrived hurriedly. Seeing the chaotic scene, he was unsure which side to choose.
Many shouted to save Einmalie first. However, Thea stopped the doctor and said to him seriously, Let's check on Celeste first. She's older and needs aptention right away."
As for Emmalie, she often played the role of the bullied, pitiful little sister in public. And she even claimed that Thea was pure evil
Then Thea decided to show Emmalie a taste of her own medicine. As she passed by Emmalie, Thea intentionally stepped hard on her hand.
Emmalie winced in pain, her features twisting in discomfort. And she almost cried out.
"Oh!" Thea exclaimed, feigning surprise. "I had no idea my sister had fainted. I thought she was just lying here like a dog. My bad, my bad.
"Are you all fans of Emmalie?" Thea pretended to ask, "Well, if she is so popular, make sure to take her to the hospital later. okay?"
With that, Thea turned to leave. Five minutes earlier, Nicolas had sent her a message asking her to wait for him in the car outside the school gate. Initially. Thea planned to look for the president of Aurelia University. But after a whole day, he still hadn't appeared, so it seemed he wouldn't show up today.
In the luxury van, Nicolas sat on the couch, looking at his iPad as if he had been waiting for a while. Next to him sat a refined middle-aged man.
"You must be Ms. Rowland, Thea?" As soon as she sat down, the refined man spoke.
Thea wore a perfect smile on her face and asked softly, "Yes, may I ask who you are?"
Nicolas put down his device, saying. This is the current president of Aurelia University, Ethan Monroe."
Thea's eyes lit up at the mention of his name. She greeted him warmly. "Oh, President Maddox, what a pleasure!
However, Ethan's demeanor was rather cool. He ignored Thea's outstretched hand and turned to Nicolas.
"You asked me to come to discuss giving your company another chance to talk about this collaboration. Now that we've met. I think it's still not suitable. Let's discuss it another day?" Ethan sud seriously. Hearing that, Thea was stunned. She hadn't even gotten a chance to speak before she was dismissed. "President...," she started to plead.
But Nicolas held her back. His expression remained neutral as he ordered the driver to open the door. Then we won't disturb you, President Maddox
Ethan nodded. Just as he was about to get out of the car, a cheerful voice called out, "Dad!"
A girl rushed over, leaping into his arms. Ethan's gaze softened, filled with affection as he looked at her.
Thea cast a curious glance at the girl, momentarily taken aback. Isn't that Joyce?"
As if sensing Thea's gaze, Joyce looked up, her eyes filled with excitement. Thea, you're here too?" she asked.
Ethan frowned slightly. "Do you know each other?"
Joyce answered happily. "Dad, she's the amazing girl I told you about. She signed a collaboration with me last time. I really admire her, so she's my friend too,
Hearing that, Thea felt warmth spread in her heart. While she and Joyce hadn't interacted much, they had indeed hit it off well.
However, Thea alway's maintained a comfortable social distance and never overstepped her boundaries. She never expected Joyce to declare in front of others that Thea was her friend openly.
Soon, Ethan looked at Thea with noticeably softer eyes. "She often mentions you to me. I don't realize that's you. It seems I misunderstood you," he explained.
Hearing Ethan's words. Thea knew this was her chance. She took the initiative to say, "President Maddox, perhaps you've heard some gossip about me from Emmalie and the vice president. But I believe that my personal matters shouldn't hinder the collaboration between