Chapter 183
Kelly clenched her fists without realizing it. Her nails splintered, digging into her palms, but she didn’t feel a thing.
The more skilled you were, the better you understood your opponent’s strength. And Kelly knew-no matter how many times they competed-she could never beat Sharon.
Her jaw tightened, her teeth grinding hard enough to crack. The look she gave Sharon could no longer hide her emotions. For the first time, raw hatred and bitter frustration burned in her eyes.
How could she lose to Sharon?
Why? Why her?
“Kelly,” Carter’s voice cut through the silence. “You made a bet. Now honor it.”
No one had expected Sharon to actually win. Not even Carter.
Even if he didn’t understand music-and even if he was hopelessly biased toward Kelly-he couldn’t lie to himself anymore.
Anyone with a decent sense of aesthetics could hear it. Sharon’s performance was more beautiful. More moving.
Kelly trembled, seething with helpless rage.
Since she’d returned to the country, she’d trampled Sharon like she was beneath her. Sure, she’d had her fair share of humiliating moments, but Carter had always stepped in to clean up her messes.
But today… even Carter wasn’t on her side.
Sharon, watching her remain frozen in place, spoke calmly, almost casually. “Is it too difficult to take the necklace off yourself, Kelly? Should I help you with it?”
Kelly’s eyes were rimmed with red as she swallowed her pride and unhooked the necklace with trembling fingers.
“This time… I’ll admit your skills were better.”
With all these people watching, backing out now would cost her not just dignity, but reputation. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to regain composure.
“Here.”
She’d never intended to return the necklace. Wearing it out every day had just been her way of mocking Sharon.
So what if she gave it back?
But Shaluna…
A glint of cold determination flickered in her eyes.
That she would take. No matter what.
Sharon looked down at the necklace in her palm. A shimmer of emotion passed through her eyes.
From across the room, Carter’s pupils contracted slightly as he watched her.
Did this necklace really mean that much to her? 1
His lips parted, as if to say something, but Wendy’s voice cut in first.
“Just proves the old saying, doesn’t it? You can’t count on anyone but yourself. Good thing Sharon’s strong enough to fight for
what’s hers. Otherwise, everything she owned would’ve ended up gifted away like some grand gesture.”
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Sharon took a slow, sieauying vi
Nate.
“So… what about you, Nate?”
His expression twisted like he’d just swallowed a handful of dirt.
“Sharon, I… I was just messing around. You’re not seriously going to make me get down on all fours and bark like a dog, are you?”
She looked straight at him, her eyes unwavering.
This Nate, always clowning around in front of her like an oversized brat-she’d tolerated him long enough.
She’d just never had the chance to teach him a lesson. Now, he’d handed her the perfect opportunity.
Sharon’s lips curved slightly, her smile soft but unmistakably dangerous.
“Nate, a man should keep his word. Look at Kelly-she honored the bet, and she’s a woman. Don’t tell me… you’re less honorable than she is?”
Bringing Kelly into it shut Nate up immediately.
Sharon swept her gaze across the crowd and raised her voice just enough to make sure everyone
heard.
“Nate, a lot of the people here do business with your family. You really want to embarrass your entire company over something like this?”
Nate’s eyes darkened with anger. He clenched his jaw. “Sharon… are you threatening me?”
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