Chapter 195

"Don't worry, Professor Jameson. I'll handle this." Felix Valentine thumped his chest before darting out the door.

He sprinted toward the music building in long strides.

"Fiona!"

Fiona Valentine was packing her sheet music when she heard her name. She looked up to see Felix with his garish rainbow hair, earrings glinting in the sunlight.

This spoiled heir had pursued her relentlessly before.

Compared to Sebastian Valdemar, he might as well be dirt beneath her feet.

Her mind was filled with Sebastian's image these days—even in her dreams.

"What do you want?"

"Don't be so cold." Felix stepped closer. "I got you something good."

Fiona subtly retreated.

Unfazed, Felix beamed. "I secured you a spot in the International Piano Masters competition."

Her eyes lit up at the mention. Winning this prestigious event would make her the center of attention.

Better yet, she'd learned Sebastian was sponsoring it.

This was her chance to rise.

"Professor Jameson wanted Evelyn Roland to go, but she refused. So I recommended you instead."

The words felt like ice water dumped over her head.

Her lashes lowered as nails dug into her palms.

Why was she always Evelyn's second choice? The resentment burned hotter.

"Thank you." Fiona forced a sweet smile, eyes crinkling like crescent moons.

Felix stared, mesmerized. His goddess looked divine when she smiled.

He'd do anything for her.

Fiona noted his infatuation with disgust. This fool had his uses.

Meanwhile, at Aether Medical Lab...

Evelyn Roland peered through the microscope, brow furrowed.

The toxin in Sebastian's blood was more complex than she'd imagined.

Who would plot against him for over a decade?

She carefully added a blood sample to a test tube, then a reagent.

A sudden knock made her hand jerk, nearly overdosing.

Evelyn yanked off her goggles, scowling.

She'd specifically ordered no interruptions.

The door flew open.

"Boss!" Dylan Orlando grinned obsequiously. "Finally caught you!"

"What do you want?" Evelyn glared.

That look always meant trouble.

"Uh... boss, I need saving!"

"What mess did you make now?"

Evelyn leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

"I didn't!" Dylan batted his lashes. "I just need you to judge a piano competition."

"Busy."

A piano competition? She had bigger concerns.

As she moved to shut the door, Dylan blocked it with his body. "Wait! Hear me out!"

Here we go again.

"Fine. Talk." Evelyn massaged her temples.

"You're the best!" Dylan dropped to his knees, clutching her leg. "I'm dead without you!"

Evelyn recoiled, shaking him off. She dragged over a chair and sat cross-legged. "Out with it. What disaster now?"