Chapter 589:
Yolanda’s words dripped with mockery, hinting that Christina would never be able to win Brendon over and should stop trying. On top of that, Yolanda’s words implied that Christina was nothing more than an abandoned woman desperate to climb the social ladder through marriage. Immediately, the guests’ expressions turned cold, and their eyes filled with contempt as they sized Christina up. A low buzz of whispered judgment moved through the room.
“You’re even more insufferable than Brendon,” Christina snapped, glaring at Yolanda and landing a sharp smack across Brendon’s hand.
The sheer strength of the blow caused Brendon to release his grip instantly, and in that same moment, his face twisted with a sharp flash of pain. If not for all the witnesses, he might have lost his temper on the spot.
“Christina, how could—” Yolanda remarked, but Christina cut her off. “If you keep running your mouth, I’ll give you a slap you won’t forget.” Christina’s tone was deadly calm.
Yolanda fell silent right away. She remembered too well how Christina had left her face swollen and bruised the last time they clashed. If Christina embarrassed her in front of high society, she would never live it down. Earlier, when Yolanda led Christina into the party, she had deliberately guided Christina toward the more difficult guests, hoping for a disaster. But nothing happened, certainly not the public humiliation she had hoped for.
“Christina…” Brendon tried again, but he stopped short and shrank back instinctively when Christina raised her hand.
With the two silenced, Christina took the microphone and addressed the crowd. “I’m about to perform for everyone. But before I start, there’s something I need to say.”
Christina glanced over at the three celebrated pianists, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Tonight, my goal is to earn the respect and admiration of all three piano masters to the point that they’ll call me their mentor.”
The crowd burst into gasps, shock and disbelief rippling through the room. “Has she lost her mind? She really thinks those three famous pianists would call her their mentor?”
“I thought I misheard. That has to be the most outrageous thing I’ve ever heard.”
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“Tiana isn’t even here yet, and this woman is already trying to snatch her protégés. I’d like to see if this woman can actually pull it off.”
“No chance. She’ll never be their mentor. She’s just a doll who idles her days away. Does she even know how to read sheet music?”
“She does look familiar, though. I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before, but I just can’t place it…”
Not only did the guests think Christina was being audacious, but even the three master pianists exchanged curious glances, surprised by her boldness. They watched as Christina stood center stage, completely at ease, radiating confidence and poise.
“Doesn’t she remind you of our own mentor? Both of them share that fearless streak,” Perla said, a small, appreciative smile curving her lips.
Ashton’s brow furrowed. “That’s true. But if you want to be bold, you need the skills to back it up. Otherwise, you’re just putting on a show.”
“You’re absolutely right, Ashton. She may hope to become our mentor, but her ambition goes far beyond proving her abilities. I only have one mentor. No matter how extraordinary this woman’s talent might be, I refuse to acknowledge her as my mentor,” the prince said in a voice as cold as ice. He lowered his gaze, his eyelashes fluttering like butterflies. He only came to see his mentor. No one else mattered.
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