?Chapter 1608:


    “How can anyone be this absurdly talented?” a third voice chimed in. “It’s one thing to dabble in everything, but to master them all? It’s almost unfair!”


    Vickie, who had been waiting for Christina to falter and disgrace herself, felt her bright, confident smile begin to crack.


    Christina had called this “could manage”?


    Vickie’s fury boiled so fiercely that her hands curled into trembling fists.


    How could Christina call this “could manage” when she yed with such mastery?


    Once again, Vickie felt deceived—fooled by that quiet confidence she had mistaken for modesty.


    No wonder Christina had been so calm. She couldmand the cello with ease.


    Vickie had never imagined the instrument was just another skill tucked beneath Christina’s endless list of talents. If she wanted even the faintest chance of surpassing her, Vickie realized she’d have to seek out La Rosa herself.


    When Christina finished, the entire hall erupted into thunderous apuse. Admiring nces rippled through the crowd like waves.


    “Thank you,” Christina said softly, offering a graceful bow before stepping down from the stage.


    Chloe darted forward, excitement lighting up her face as she looped her arm through Christina’s.


    “Wow! Christina, that was incredible!” she eximed, her eyes gleaming with genuine awe. She could only dream of being half as amazing one day.


    “Thank you,” Christina replied with a humble smile.


    Chloe gasped. “That was brilliant!”


    The audience’s whispers echoed around them—everyone agreed that Christina’s performance had outshone Vickie’s. It was proof enough of her brilliance.


    Vickie had studied the cello for years, yet she had still been eclipsed with effortless grace.


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    Christina couldn’t helpughing softly at Chloe’s boundless enthusiasm.


    Meanwhile, Vickie’s smile had frozen in ce, her face darkening as each passingment struck like a de. Every admiring nce at Christina felt like mockery—as if they wereughing at her for ever thinking she couldpete.


    She hade here to humiliate Christina, but instead, she had humiliated herself.


    Struggling to steady her emotions, Vickie suddenly felt a surge of nausea rise in her throat.


    pping a hand over her mouth, she rushed out of the hall, praying no one had noticed her abrupt departure.


    Unbeknownst to her, a pair of watchful eyes had been following her every move.


    Ynda slipped out quietly after her, tracking her to the restroom. The sharp sound of retching came from inside. Her brows knit together, and her fists tightened. Her eyes glinted with venomous suspicion.


    If her instincts were right, Vickie was pregnant.


    The thought sent a chill through her. If Brendon ever found out, he’d leave her without hesitation.


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