Chapter 157
“Kelly, stop using Theo like he’s your get-out-of-jail-free card. If you really care about him, then start setting a good example -instead of standing here making excuses and dodging responsibility,”
The crowd, having seen it all, wasn’t swayed by Kelly’s tears or her helpless expression. Not a trace of sympathy showed on their faces. If anything, people exchanged glances filled with quiet disdain and whispered among themselves.
They thought about it from their own point of view: if someone ruined their carefully prepared performance outfit right before a major competition, they’d be furious too.
Sure, it made sense to care about your own child’s competition results. But did that give anyone the right to ruin someone else’s? Were other people’s children any less important?
A simple “I didn’t mean to” didn’t magically undo the damage. What kind of fantasy world did she think she was living in? Did she really believe the world was full of saints?
Seeing the shift in atmosphere, Kelly began to panic. This wasn’t like before. No one was rushing to defend her from some moral high ground. Instead, every eye on her was laced with suspicion or disdain.
What was happening? Why wasn’t anyone taking her side?
Meanwhile, Madeline and Denise arrived at Theo’s waiting room.
Theo’s face lit up the moment he saw them. “Grandma! Auntie! What are you doing here?”
Denise smiled warmly. “Today’s a big day, right? We came to cheer you on. You’ve got to go for the top spot!”
Theo raised his chin proudly. “Kelly’s amazing. We’re definitely winning first place!”
Madeline’s expression immediately darkened. “Her again?”
Standing beside her, Nate greeted Madeline with a polite smile before jumping in to explain. “Madeline, I know Kelly doesn’t come from a prestigious background, but she’s a graduate of Bell University. And lately, she’s built a decent name for herself in the music world. If she had more time to grow, with her talent and experience, she might’ve ended up the next Shayla McKinzie.
Shayla McKinzie had once been a breakout sensation-her name known far beyond classical music circles. Even before the internet took off, her fame had reached high society. Madeline had heard of her too.
In elite circles, people loved to put on airs of culture. And music? That was one of the easiest ways to fake sophistication.
Madeline herself had never cared much about it. But back when she needed to attract investors and boost the Biggs family’s standing, she’d put in the effort to learn an instrument. Her choice? The violin.
Nate continued, “Madeline, you know how many influential families were invited to attend today’s performance. Carter’s too busy with work, and he’s not exactly the artistic type. As for Sharon…” 1
His tone faltered for a beat, but the disdain was clear in his expression. “Letting a housewife with no skills accompany Theo? That would’ve been humiliating for the Biggs family. I know you’ve got your doubts about Kelly, but this competition is too important. Having her by Theo’s side makes him shine.
“Let the jealous ones see for themselves-Carter Biggs isn’t just brilliant. Even his son is gifted. The rest can dream about catching up to the Biggs family in their next life.”
Madeline seemed to soften under Nate’s steady reasoning. “Fine. Let Kelly do her best then. Just make sure she doesn’t embarrass the Biggs name.”
1/2
Nate let out a breath of relief and subtly flashed Carter an “OK” hand signal.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. A teacher burst in, out of breath and clearly anxious.
“Kelly’s in trouble!”
2/2
