Chapter 587
Words stuck in Coen’s throat as fear robbed him of any response.
Bowen let out a short cough and puffed up his chest. “Listen, Coen has a point here. I doubt you have any valid argument against it.”
A single glare from Christina made Bowen’s bravado dissolve. His heart pounded, and unease crept in. How could this be? Since when did a seemingly delicate woman have such force behind her eyes?
“My choices are mine alone,” Christina remarked, her tone cutting through the tension like a blade. “No one gets to decide for me.” She radiated confidence, as if the room naturally bent to her will.
Whispers rippled through the guests. For a moment, it felt as if they stood before someone regal. No one could put their finger on why her presence was so overwhelming.
Perplexed glances were exchanged among the crowd, just as Brendon took the microphone on the stage, his face tinged with excitement. “We are grateful for the wonderful performance by the three maestros. The Dawson family is truly honored. Now, please join me as we wait for the legendary Tiana to show up!”
A smirk crossed Lorraine’s lips as she glanced at Christina. “Didn’t you boast about being capable of becoming those three world-class pianists’ teacher? Now’s your chance to show us your piano skills. We’re all waiting.”
“Right! Maybe, with Tiana yet to show up, you stand a slightly better chance at impressing the three maestros,” Coen remarked with a hint of mockery.
Yvonne leaned over to offer a reminder. “Christina, don’t forget the terms. You need to blow them away solely with your piano skills and get them to accept you as their mentor.”
Yvonne remembered the piano piece Christina had played on Kurt’s birthday. It had left a mark, but it never reached the level of Tiana. No matter how outstanding her performance might seem, it fell short when placed beside the real master, Tiana. Christina, trying to mimic greatness, could never shine as brightly as Tiana.
“Spare me the reminders. I haven’t forgotten anything,” Christina retorted, fixing Yvonne with a cold stare. “The Jones Group will soon be mine.”
Fury flickered across Yvonne’s eyes. She pressed her lips together, then forced a polite smile and softly said, “If you manage to pull it off, I’ll gladly hand the company over myself.”
“Alright. Just don’t make a fuss when the moment arrives,” Christina kept her composure and stepped toward the stage with purpose.
Eyes followed her as she moved, those in the know whispering about the wager.
“Is she really stepping up to perform? Does she think her piano skills can impress them?”
“Ha! I am certain she is all looks but no substance. I doubt she knows how to perform. Winning over those three must be beyond her reach.”
“Still, there’s something about her confidence. What if she pulls it off? I hate to admit it, but now I am eager to see what she’s got.”
Meanwhile, on the stage stood Brendon and Yolanda. Stepping into the spotlight, Christina carried herself with an air that demanded attention. Yolanda’s nerves frayed as panic set in. Could Christina actually be trying to steal Brendon away? The thought nagged at her. Brendon had been taken in by Christina’s charm before. If she started weeping and putting on a scene…
Yolanda’s stomach tightened, her thoughts spiraling, while Brendon felt a jolt of anticipation. Did Christina come all this way just to win him back from Yolanda?
Brendon felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. His lips lifted into a faint smile before he even realized it. He had been right all along. Christina was completely swept up in her foolish feelings for him.