Chapter 134

"Even Mr. Goldmann fell under her spell, while Vivian suffered terribly after multiple encounters with that witch!"

Laura Scott pondered deeply, sensing an invisible hand guiding Evelyn Vanderbilt's every move.

How else could the girl be so fearless?

"Mr. Goldmann himself has been deceived."

What shocked Laura more was Edmund Lincoln - a powerhouse in high society - publicly acknowledging Evelyn as his niece!

"Could Edmund be her secret benefactor? But he's in his forties, nearly my age. If Evelyn is his niece... then that woman, Isabella Gonzalez!"

Though Laura had never met Isabella, the rumors about her were legendary.

"Isabella helped Richard establish Viana Jewelry in Bassburgh. She must have been extraordinary."

Regrettably, Laura knew little about Isabella's true background.

"Isabella died young, right after Evelyn's seventh birthday. Had she lived, Vivian and I would never have entered the Vanderbilt mansion."

"I must uncover Isabella's secrets. If Evelyn truly has Edmund's backing, she'll become untouchable."

At the Royal Academy of Music...

Caleb Vanderbilt performed a piano duet of "Bohemian Rhapsody" with a classmate during the academy's ranking competition. The professors gasped as the young prodigy's fingers danced across the keys with astonishing precision.

His performance outshone even his older partner.

Unsurprisingly, Caleb received an S-grade, securing his place in the finals.

Backstage, several older boys cornered him. "Hey bastard, where's your daddy? Cheating your way through?"

Caleb's face darkened at the taunt.

"Who told you I don't have a father?"

The ringleader shoved him repeatedly. "Everyone knows! You're just a fatherless brat!"

Caleb clenched his small fists. Then, spotting someone approaching, he dramatically collapsed to the floor.

The bully's outstretched hand made it appear he'd been pushed.

"Scared, little bastard?" The boy sneered at Caleb's "cowardice."

"What's happening here?"

The bullies froze at the icy voice. Turning slowly, their faces paled.

Of all people, it had to be Professor Lucas Laurent - the academy's most feared instructor with a legendary temper!

"W-we were just..."

Lucas's sharp gaze flickered between Caleb on the floor and the trembling boys. "Bullying becomes you?"

The boys hung their heads. "Sorry, Professor Laurent."

Lucas helped Caleb up.

Everyone knew Lucas - the academy's prized violinist, son of Zlokova's most celebrated musician. Despite his youth, his reputation made students quake.

"Get out of my sight!" The bullies scattered instantly.

Only Caleb remained, calmly brushing off his pants.

Lucas studied him with amusement. "Quite the performance. Clever boy."