Chapter 39

The crowd immediately erupted in whispers. "I told you my ship is real! Nicolas and Emmalie are definitely together," someone exclaimed. "Look at Nicolas protecting Emmalie. I'm literally dying from the feels!"

"They're definitely involved," another chimed in. "Nicolas never attends events like this. Why else would he be here? It's totally to hear Emmalie play the piano."

Nicolas raised a hand to silence the gossip. "Yes, it's true," he said seriously. "I do have a fiancée."

Emmalie's face flushed crimson. She was too embarrassed to look at him.

The host, quick to react, suggested a performance together. But Nicolas's frown deepened, his expression worsening.

Darwin, standing nearby, intervened with a helpless smile. "What Mr. Hendrix means is, he's engaged," he clarified. "And Emmalie is not Mr. Hendrix's fiancée. Let's not get things confused."

Though Darwin's tone was casual, his words felt like a harsh slap to Emmalie. She froze, momentarily unable to control her expression.

Nicolas wasn't about to let her off easily. His eyes, cool and businesslike, swept toward her. "Ms. Rowland, it's best not to add unfounded rumors. It could harm your reputation."

His tone was purely professional, without blame, but Emmalie was already close to tears from humiliation. She dug her nails into her palms, battling her emotions. Forcing composure, she apologized, maintaining appearances. "Mr. Hendrix," she said calmly, "as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up, that's all that matters. Thea told me privately. She probably wasn't aware of the situation. She's just excited for me, and she shared it impulsively. Please don't hold her accountable. It would mean a lot to me."

Thea, standing nearby, felt utterly bewildered. Even she had to admit Emmalie's shamelessness was impressive. She could lie so smoothly, without batting an eye. Nicolas looked toward Thea, his expression unreadable. "I have no intention of holding her responsible," he said calmly.

Emmalie visibly relaxed as whispers continued through the crowd.

"I knew something was off," someone murmured. "Emmalie's always so graceful. No way would she spread rumors like that. She was probably manipulated by Thea again?"

"Emmalie is such a sweetheart. How can she escape her toxic sister? It's so disgusting! What kind of sibling keeps scheming against her own family?"

"Am I the only one who still thinks Nicolas and Emmalie could end up together? Having a fiancée doesn't mean he's married, yes?"

"Boop! Emmalie would never interfere with someone's relationship. But honestly, I agree. Nicolas might have feelings for her, but the engagement is holding him back."

Hearing the murmurs, Emmalie struggled to suppress a smile.

"Alright, enough," Thea announced, rising abruptly. "Now that my sister has finished performing, it's my turn."

The crowd erupted in mocking laughter. Emmalie let out a small, helpless laugh. "Thea, stop this," she said softly. "If I've done anything wrong, I'll apologize when we get home. Continuing this will only make things worse."

Thea remained unmoved, her gaze condescending. "I'm not making a scene," she retorted. "I'm telling the truth. After all, I was supposed to be the one learning piano. If you hadn't cried and begged to take the opportunity, I'd be standing in your place right now."

"Alright," Emmalie said patiently. "I'll agree to anything if you'll just step down."

The host rushed to the stage, ready to usher Thea away.

But Thea remained, offering a calm smile. "Emmalie, do you remember your master? The one you took from me?" she asked.

Emmalie's brow furrowed. "Thea, that's going too far. Celeste chose me to be her student. Even though she's abroad, that doesn't give you the right to spread rumors."

Someone in the crowd called out, "Looks like Thea's lost her mind today!"

"I think so too. She's completely off her rocker."

"I seriously feel bad for Emmalie, dealing with this."

Thea's gaze shifted, landing on someone in the audience. A genuine smile spread across her face. "Celeste, I see you made it."

The color drained from Emmalie's face.

An elderly woman, her hair streaked with gray but her bearing still graceful, was helped onto the stage.

Whispers filled the room. Many younger audience members didn't know her, but those familiar with classical music recognized her immediately. "That's Celeste Arden, the world-renowned pianist!" someone exclaimed.

"She's one of the greatest pianists alive! Why is she here?" another added.

"Isn't it obvious? She's here for her star student, Emmalie. Everyone knows she's only ever taken one student, and she treats her like a daughter," a third replied.

People stared at Thea, anticipating the inevitable. With Celeste defending her beloved student, what could Thea possibly say?

Celeste approached the stage, her gaze softening as it met Thea's. Thea offered her the first sincere smile of the day, stepping forward to help her up.

Celeste didn't pull away, though she sighed heavily. "You made that choice yourself all those years ago. Are you regretting it now?" she asked.

Thea remained silent, but the flicker of emotion in her eyes answered the question.

The audience realized these two knew each other.

Emmalie rushed to the stage, linking arms with Celeste. "Celeste, why didn't you tell me you were coming?" she asked with a sweet smile. "I would have prepared something special. It's such an honor, and the highlight of my day."

Thea snorted. "Emmalie, you should know Celeste isn't here for you."

Emmalie bit her lip. "Thea, it's true Celeste initially agreed to take you as a student because of the family. But you chose to quit. Don't blame me for that now." Thea smiled but said nothing, her gaze drifting back to Celeste.

Without emotion, Celeste gently removed Emmalie's arm. Her tone was icy. "Emmalie, have you forgotten what I told you?"

Emmalie's hope vanished. Her fingers dug into her palms, blood welling up. She forced a smile. "Celeste, whatever it is, we can talk later. There must be a misunderstanding. Don't let outsiders cause a rift between us."

Thea heard the passive aggression. She blinked, giving Emmalie a soft smile. "Are you talking about me? You keep calling me your sister and saying we're family. So how could I possibly be considered an outsider?"