?Chapter 589:


    Ynda’s words dripped with mockery, hinting that Christina would never be able to win Brendon over and should stop trying. On top of that, Ynda’s words implied that Christina was nothing more than an abandoned woman desperate to climb the socialdder through marriage. Immediately, the guests’ expressions turned cold, and their eyes filled with contempt as they sized Christina up. A low buzz of whispered judgment moved through the room.


    “You’re even more insufferable than Brendon,” Christina snapped, ring at Ynda andnding a sharp smack across Brendon’s hand.


    The sheer strength of the blow caused Brendon to release his grip instantly, and in that same moment, his face twisted with a sharp sh of pain. If not for all the witnesses, he might have lost his temper on the spot.


    “Christina, how could—” Ynda remarked, but Christina cut her off. “If you keep running your mouth, I’ll give you a p you won’t forget.” Christina’s tone was deadly calm.


    Ynda fell silent right away. She remembered too well how Christina had left her face swollen and bruised thest time they shed. If Christina embarrassed her in front of high society, she would never live it down. Earlier, when Ynda led Christina into the party, she had deliberately guided Christina toward the more difficult guests, hoping for a disaster. But nothing happened, certainly not the public humiliation she had hoped for.


    “Christina…” Brendon tried again, but he stopped short and shrank back instinctively when Christina raised her hand.


    With the two silenced, Christina took the microphone and addressed the crowd. “I’m about to perform for everyone. But before I start, there’s something I need to say.”


    Christina nced over at the three celebrated pianists, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Tonight, my goal is to earn the respect and admiration of all three piano masters to the point that they’ll call me their mentor.”


    The crowd burst into gasps, shock and disbelief rippling through the room. “Has she lost her mind? She really thinks those three famous pianists would call her their mentor?”


    “I thought I misheard. That has to be the most outrageous thing I’ve ever heard.”


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    “Tiana isn’t even here yet, and this woman is already trying to snatch her protégés. I’d like to see if this woman can actually pull it off.”


    “No chance. She’ll never be their mentor. She’s just a doll who idles her days away. Does she even know how to read sheet music?”


    “She does look familiar, though. I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before, but I just can’t ce it…”


    Not only did the guests think Christina was being audacious, but even the three master pianists exchanged curious nces, surprised by her boldness. They watched as Christina stood center stage,pletely at ease, radiating confidence and poise.


    “Doesn’t she remind you of our own mentor? Both of them share that fearless streak,” Pe said, a small, appreciative smile curving her lips.


    Ashton’s brow furrowed. “That’s true. But if you want to be bold, you need the skills to back it up. Otherwise, you’re just putting on a show.”


    “You’re absolutely right, Ashton. She may hope to be our mentor, but her ambition goes far beyond proving her abilities. I only have one mentor. No matter how extraordinary this woman’s talent might be, I refuse to acknowledge her as my mentor,” the prince said in a voice as cold as ice. He lowered his gaze, his eyshes fluttering like butterflies. He only came to see his mentor. No one else mattered.


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