Chapter 200

Mr. Valentine's face turned ashen.

His temples throbbed violently.

This disgraceful daughter had utterly humiliated the Valentine family today.

"Dad!" Fiona Valentine clutched her stinging cheek, her voice trembling.

She couldn't believe her doting father would strike her in public.

Mrs. Valentine's eyes reddened as she twisted her handkerchief. "Fiona, you've disappointed me deeply."

"I'll teach you to know your place!"

Another sharp slap rang out.

Fiona's cheek burned, tears blurring her vision.

"How was I supposed to know that score—"

"Silence!" Mr. Valentine thundered. "If you hadn't claimed credit, would this have happened?"

Fiona felt her heart tearing apart.

Were these the same loving parents she remembered?

"There's been a misunderstanding—"

"Misunderstanding?" Mr. Valentine sneered. "Didn't you personally take credit for that composition?"

The rapid-fire accusations made Fiona dizzy.

Mrs. Valentine sighed. "Fiona, you were truly at fault this time."

Fiona stared at her mother in disbelief. "Mom, even you—"

"Victim?" Mr. Valentine laughed mirthlessly. "How dare you say that?"

Outside the venue, Evelyn Roland followed the commotion.

She saw Mr. Valentine's raised hand.

In a flash, Evelyn pulled Fiona aside.

The strike barely grazed Fiona's hair.

Mr. Valentine's fury evaporated when he recognized the newcomer.

"Mr. Valentine, let's discuss this calmly," Evelyn said gently.

Fiona stood rigid beside Evelyn, nails digging into her palms.

This hypocritical woman—what act was she putting on now?

She'd repay today's humiliation a hundredfold.

"Forgive our family's disgrace, Maestro," Mr. Valentine forced a smile.

Evelyn smiled warmly. "Fiona shows remarkable musical talent."

"Your praise honors our daughter," Mr. Valentine fawned.

Fiona's stomach churned at the sycophantic words.

"Your parents must be proud of your achievements at such a young age," Mrs. Valentine added.

"Would Maestro consider mentoring our daughter?" Mrs. Valentine ventured timidly.

Fiona's head snapped up.

She'd never take lessons from this fraud!

But her parents didn't give her a chance to protest.

She stared desperately at the exit, willing a familiar figure to appear.

"I regret my schedule is fully committed," Evelyn declined politely.

Mrs. Valentine's disappointment showed. "Of course, we understand."

Fiona bit her lip until copper flooded her mouth.