Bianca struggled to keep her anger in check, her gaze at Kaia burning with jealousy and pure loathing.
‘Why can Kaia play so well? I just don’t get it,‘ Bianca thought, frustration bubbling inside her.
‘Why?‘ she fumed inwardly.
Suddenly, it clicked on her.
She muttered, “I bet Kaia just practices that one piece day and night. She doesn’t have any real talent. She’s just putting on a show!”
Cecelia was standing right next to Bianca, so of course she heard everything they said.
She caught a glimpse of Bianca’s uncomfortable expression out of the corner of her eye.
Bianca was her best friend. There was no way Cecelia would just sit back and watch her get picked
- on.
Without hesitating, Cecelia marched over and yelled at the group, “Are you guys deaf or something? How could she possibly sound better than Bianca? If you don’t know music, then stop talking nonsense!”
As Cecelia spoke, a flush crept up her ears.
Even though she was mad at everyone for talking about Bianca like that, she had to admit Kaia’s playing really was a notch above Bianca’s.
The people who’d been talking immediately backed off, not daring to say another word.
After all, they’d just been running their mouths for fun. No way were they going to risk ticking off Cecelia, the Moreno heiress. It just wasn’t worth it.
Once the crowd had dispersed, Cecelia turned back to Bianca, trying to cheer her up.
“Bianca, don’t let what they said get to you. You’re miles ahead of Kaia. Seriously, they wouldn’t recognize real talent if it hit them in the face. They’re just talking nonsense.”
Bianca shook her head, pretending not to care, but her expression was still downcast. “I’m not bothered. They’re right. Kaia’s better than me.”
“Come on, don’t say that! There’s no way she’s better than you. You’re incredible. Kaia’s not even in the same league. She could practice for a hundred years and still never catch up to you!”
Bianca forced a smile, her voice tinged with resignation.
1/7
12:02 am
Chapter 44
55 youchers
“I saw Tobias watching Kaia just now. He must’ve thought her playing was impressive. That’s why he was looking at her.”
Cecelia shook her head vigorously, her tone firm.
“You must be seeing things. There’s no way Tobias would ever be interested in that good–for- nothing! Don’t worry. I’ll stand up for you. I refuse to believe we won’t see her embarrass herself tonight!”
Just as Cecelia was speaking, Kaia finished her piano piece and came down from the stage.
She walked calmly in Tobias’s direction, looking completely at ease.
It wasn’t like she was purposely heading for Tobias–standing up on the stage, she’d had a clear view of every corner of the banquet hall.
With just a glance, she’d spotted her favorite strawberry cakes over on that side, and she was practically drooling at the thought.
Now that she was off the stage, of course, she had to go over and grab some!
Coincidentally, Cecelia was standing right next to Tobias.
Kaia strolled over to Cecelia, giving her a casual, faint smile.
She said casually, “Sorry if I made a fool of myself up there.”
“Hmph, you just got lucky with a piece you practiced to death. Don’t think you’re some kind of prodigy!” Cecelia shot back, her face pale with irritation.
Cecelia absolutely hated the smug look on Kaia’s face.
She was itching to just rush over and tear that ugly, self–satisfied grin right off Kaia’s face.
Kaia caught the burning anger and frustration in Cecelia’s eyes. She looked so pent–up, like she might snap and try to bite Kaia’s head off at any second.
Kaia just smiled, not even bothering to acknowledge Cecelia’s powerless rage, and played along.
She neered, “Yeah, you’re really something, guessing that right off the bat.
“Honestly, this is the only piece I can play well. You wouldn’t believe how many years I’ve spent grinding away at it.
‘Doesn’t matter though, I still came out on top.
“Miss Moreno, time to get on your knees.”
“You cheated!” Cecelia snapped, her voice shaking with rage. “And you think I’d kneel to a piece of
2/7
12:02 am
Chapter 44
55 vouchers
trash like you? Keep dreaming!”
“Don’t want to kneel? Fine, let me help you with that,” Kaia interrupted, her patience running thin.
Right at that moment, Kaia, who had been standing there with that faint, unbothered smile, suddenly sprang into action.
She moved like a flash of lightning, appearing behind Cecelia in the blink of an eye.
With one smooth sideways kick, she sent Cecelia crashing down, forcing her to her knees!
By the time anyone could react, the so–called good–for–nothing Kaia had already stomped her foot down on Cecelia’s head for everyone to see.
She stood there like a queen, looking down on everyone with absolute disdain.
A loud, explosive bang echoed through the room, as if a bomb had gone off in everyone’s heads.
Everyone felt a thunderous crack exploding in their minds.
They stared at Kaia like she was some kind of monster, totally freaked out, their jaws nearly hitting
the floor.
Even Cecelia was so stunned that she couldn’t get a word out.
She totally forgot Kaia’s foot was still on her head, just gaping in shock.
She snapped out of it and started wailing, “Tobias, save me!”
Upon hearing that, Kaia shot Tobias a sharp, warning glare.
Much to her shock, Tobias’s brows knitted together, his lips set in a cold, hard line. His voice was icy and detached. “Cecelia, you made a bet and lost. Take your punishment and learn from it.”
Under Tobias’s deep, sharp gaze, Cecelia felt the overwhelming pressure, like the air had been sucked out of the room, and she couldn’t breathe.
That was when she remembered Tobias was not someone to be messed with.
The only time he’d ever shown a hint of gentleness was when he was with Kaia.
Seeing Tobias wasn’t going to interfere, Kaia yanked Cecelia up. “Since you don’t want to kneel, how about I give you a few more slaps instead? That’s not too much to ask, is it?”
With that, Kaia smacked Cecelia across the face seven or eight times, leaving her face swollen and puffy.
Kaia turned to Bianca and landed another seven or eight slaps on her, making sure her face was just as swollen and piggy–looking as Cecelia’s.
3/7
12:02 am
Chapter 44
The two besties, faces matching in their puffiness, bolted out of the room in tears.
55 vouchers
Watching Cecelia storm off, Tobias turned to Kaia, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “When did you learn to play the piano?”
How many things has she picked up? And how does she manage to be so good at every single one?”
he wondered.
Kaia looked completely serious as she replied, “I never really studied piano. I just skimmed a couple of books”
Tobias’s face froze in rare surprise. After a couple of seconds, he asked, “So you’re saying you just read a few books in the library, and you can already play at that level?”
I think it’s pretty average, honestly. Nothing to brag about,” Kaia replied with a shrug.
Tobias took a deep breath, and it finally hit him.
So that’s why Grandpa picked her as my fiancée. She’s seriously something else!‘ he thought.
Just as he was thinking that, Kaia’s voice, sounding a little tired and uninterested, drifted over.
“Being your fiancée is nothing but trouble. Good thing there are only a few days left,” she said, her tone flat.
Tobias’s expression darkened instantly, the air around him growing heavy.
They just brought out some fresh blueberry cakes. I’m going to get some,” Kaia said, already heading that way.
As this was happening, Devin also noticed Joel moving in Kaia’s direction.
That Frank guy is seriously loyal. Even at a party like this, he barely leaves Miss Bennett’s side, Devin remarked.
Tobias noticed Joel, too. Joel stopped about 6.5 feet away from Kaia, positioning himself nearby, quietly standing guard.
The way Joel just naturally stationed himself near Kaia felt like he was born to watch over her, like that was exactly where he belonged.
“Hey, do you think they know each other? He looks kind of familiar to me,” Tobias wondered aloud.
“Who?” Devin responded right away. “You mean Miss Bennett and Frank?
“No chance. I already asked the butler. When Miss Bennett and Frank first met, they were total
strangers.
Before Tobias could ask anything else, he spotted his cousin, Griffin Moreno, heading over to Kaia.
4/7
12:03 am
Chapter 44
55 vouchers
Griffin walked up to Kaia, casually brushing his hair back from his forehead, flashing what he thought was a super charming smile.
“I’m Griffin. I was there too when you got engaged to my cousin Tobias,” he said, trying to sound smooth.
“Oh, I didn’t notice,” Kaia replied, completely unfazed, still munching on her cake.
The next second, Griffin suddenly moved closer, getting right up
in Kaia’s
space.
Tobias’s face turned stormy. Just as he was about to step forward, Russell stepped right in front of him, blocking his line of sight.
“Tobias, how about we hit the road after the party? Let’s go wild for a bit. The guys are already headed out,” Russell suggested.
“Move, you’re in my way,” Tobias said, his voice cold and impatient.
“What?” Russell blinked, totally confused.
Russell paused for a second, then turned to follow Tobias’s gaze.
He immediately spotted Kaia and Griffin standing together.
“Huh? What’s up with those two? You know, Griffin’s kind of a playboy. Don’t tell me he’s got his eye on your fiancée just because she’s pretty?” Russell said, sounding half–joking.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Russell swore the air around them turned arctic.
He glanced back at Tobias and nearly shivered. Tobias’s already icy face looked like it had just frosted over.
“Judging by how tense you are, you do fancy her, huh?” Russell said, a knowing look in his eyes.
Tobias didn’t say a word, just pressed his lips into a thin, tight line.
To Russell, that silence was as good as a confession.
Meanwhile, Griffin was giving Kaia a blatant once–over, not even trying to hide how he was eyeing her up.
Kaia’s bare shoulders shimmered with a soft, rosy glow, and her curves were as juicy and tempting as a perfectly ripe peach, just waiting to be picked.
But it was those mesmerizing, bright eyes, like they had tiny hooks inside, beckoning him closer. He could barely hold back the wild, primal urge rising inside.
‘She’s so damn hot!‘ Griffin thought, practically drooling.
5/7
12:03 am
Chapter 44
55 vouchers
Kaia looked up, danger simmering in her star–bright eyes. “If you weren’t Keaton’s grandson, you’d have lost those eyes already.”
Griflin let out a low, mocking chuckle. “No wonder you fought with Tobias’s mother on your engagement day. Damn, you’re spicy. I like that.”
“Sounds to me like you’ve got a death wish,” Kaia replied, her voice turning even icier.
“You’ve been hanging around Tobias lately, huh? Bet he’s given you a hard time. That’s just how he is–never knows how to be gentle with a woman,” Griffin said, his tone oozing fake sympathy.
“What’s your point?” Kaia cut in, her words sharp as a blade.
“You and Tobias? Please, that’s a dead end. Your engagement’s about to expire anyway. Why not ditch him and be with me? I’ll hook you up with all the bags and bling you want. Not that I’d ever marry you–my folks think you’re way too low–class.”
“Are you done?” Kaia looked bored and annoyed.
Griffin just grinned, totally missing the disgust on Kaia’s face, way too pleased with himself.
He teased, “All done. So? Bet you’re interested, huh?”
Kaia shot back, “Get lost!”
She had officially run out of patience.
“You…” Griffin was about to lose his temper, but then something seemed to click. He flashed a sly, greasy grin. “Oh, I get it. You’re scared someone overheard us just now, so you don’t dare say yes, right? Relax, this spot’s pretty secluded. No one’s around to see us.”
Kaia couldn’t care less about whatever Griffin was still babbling on about. She tuned him out completely, like he was just background noise.
Griffin saw Kaia’s silence and just assumed she was agreeing.
Eyeing her gorgeous figure, he glanced left and right to make sure no one was watching, then sneakily reached out his hand toward her.
‘Does he have a death wish?‘ Kaia thought, her eyes going ice–cold with contempt,
Her gaze sharpened, and in a flash, she slipped out of his reach.
Then, without hesitation, she swung her leg up and nailed him right in the family jewels!
6/7
12:03 am
