Chapter 196

"Boss, I really got played this time." Dylan Orlando hung his head, nervously twisting the hem of his shirt between his fingers.

That sly old fox!

"Hmm?"

"The organizers of the piano competition heard I know Maestro. They deliberately provoked me into inviting them as a judge."

Evelyn Roland fixed him with a piercing stare. Dylan felt chills run down his spine.

The boss's gaze was terrifying.

"So you fell for it?"

"Waaah! Boss, don't look at me like that!"

"The worst part is, if I can't get you to come, I have to publicly kneel and apologize!" Dylan wailed pitifully.

"You can't just abandon me!"

As Dylan began his dramatic sobbing again, Evelyn massaged her temples. "Shut up. I'll go."

He immediately stopped, sniffled, and broke into a grin. "You're the best, boss."

Evelyn sighed at the sudden praise.

Must be repaying a debt from a past life.

Fine. She'd indulge him just this once.

Two days later, the piano competition commenced as scheduled.

Evelyn hadn't anticipated the event clashing with Hugo's acupuncture treatment.

Between Dylan's pride and Hugo's health, she chose the latter without hesitation, heading to the Laurent residence first.

"Big sister!"

Hugo flew into her arms like an excited little bird.

"You've grown taller." Evelyn casually ruffled his hair.

"Miss Roland." Henry Laurent greeted her with a warm smile.

She nodded politely.

After finishing the acupuncture session, Evelyn packed away her silver needles. "I'll leave the tools here so I won't need to bring them next time."

"It's almost lunch. Would you care to join us, Miss Roland?"

"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Laurent, but I have another engagement."

Evelyn checked her watch as she walked.

Time was tight.

She arrived at the competition venue in a hurry, only to find the judges' panel already fully seated.

Late, as expected.

Whispers circulated among the judges.

"Wasn't Maestro supposed to come?"

"The competition has started. Where are they?"

"Probably not showing up."

"What a shame. I've always wanted to meet Maestro."

One judge looked particularly disappointed.

Evelyn quietly took a seat beside the judges' table, her simple attire making her blend into the background.

Sebastian Valdemar sat in the investors' VIP section, bored out of his mind.

Then a familiar figure caught his eye.

White blouse, high ponytail, gold-rimmed glasses—none other than Evelyn Roland.

What was she doing here?

A contestant, perhaps?

The dull competition suddenly became interesting.