Chapter 40

Celeste slammed her fist on the floor. "The only reason I kept you by my side to learn piano was out of respect for your Rowland family, but you've thrown my words aside," she said, her gaze icy. With that, Celeste flung the sheet music from the piano to the ground.

This was the first time Celeste, usually composed and elegant in front of the media, had ever lost her temper like this.

"So let me be clear: even if I throw these scores away or burn them, I don't want you playing them. You have broken our promise, and from now on, I no longer have you as a student!" Celeste continued. Emmalie's face turned pale; her body swayed as if she could barely stand.

Thea understood Emmalie's distress. It wasn't just the loss of Celeste as a teacher; it was the public humiliation. For someone as proud as Emmalie, that was devastating. Moreover, Thea had intentionally brought Celeste here. The Rowland family knew little about Celeste, but Thea did.

Celeste valued her reputation above all else. Years ago, while she had some fame, it paled in comparison to the Rowland family's wealth. Celeste's sister was gravely ill, and they relied on tuition money from the Rowlands for her surgery. Ivy, desperate for Celeste to take Emmalie as a student, had even resorted to threats, vowing to make Celeste's life in Sarlimar impossible if she refused. Celeste eventually received the money, and her sister was saved, but the threat remained a painful memory.

Today was Celeste's opportunity for retribution. Ivy never imagined her attempt to please Emmalie would backfire so spectacularly.

Thea hurriedly supported the swaying Celeste and called for a doctor.

Suddenly, a glare filled with intense hatred fell upon Thea. She met Emmalie's gaze with fearless indifference.

Tears streamed down Emmalie's face as she trembled. "Thea, I really don't know what I can do to make you let me go. Haven't you done enough to get back at me all these years? Fine, I'll give you my life. Is that enough? Is that what you want?"

With that, Emmalie collapsed. Even Celeste, older and still standing despite her anger, instantly passed out.

Those who had initially doubted Emmalie quickly changed their minds.

"I find this whole situation odd. I suspect Thea bribed Celeste to humiliate Emmalie. Poor Emmalie, bullied by her sister like this."

"Seriously? Do you even know Celeste's temperament? How could such a proud person be bought? I think Thea probably said something bad about Emmalie in front of her."

"I can't believe Celeste would listen to a bitch's words and give up her student. Oh my God!"

Thea ignored them. Soon, the doctor arrived. Seeing the chaos, he was unsure whom to treat first. Many shouted for Emmalie, but Thea stopped him. "Let's check on Celeste first. She's older and needs immediate attention."

Emmalie often played the role of the bullied victim in public, claiming Thea was pure evil. Thea decided to give her a taste of her own medicine. As she passed Emmalie, Thea intentionally stepped hard on her hand.

Emmalie winced in pain, her features twisting. She almost cried out.

"Oh!" Thea exclaimed, feigning surprise. "I had no idea my sister had fainted. I thought she was just lying there like a dog. My bad, my bad."

"Are you all fans of Emmalie?" Thea asked. "Well, if she's so popular, make sure to take her to the hospital later, okay?"

With that, Thea left. Earlier, Nicolas had texted her to wait at the school gate. Thea had planned to meet the president of Aurelia University, but he hadn't appeared.

In the luxury van, Nicolas sat on the couch, looking at his iPad. A refined middle-aged man sat beside him.

"You must be Ms. Rowland, Thea?" the man said as she sat down.

Thea smiled. "Yes, may I ask who you are?"

Nicolas put down his iPad. "This is the current president of Aurelia University, Ethan Monroe."

Thea's eyes lit up. "Oh, President Monroe, what a pleasure!"

Ethan's demeanor was cool. He ignored her outstretched hand and turned to Nicolas.

"You asked me to discuss giving your company another chance at collaboration. Now that we've met, I think it's still unsuitable. Let's discuss it another day," Ethan said seriously. Thea was stunned. She hadn't even spoken before being dismissed. "President…," she began to plead.

But Nicolas stopped her, his expression neutral. He ordered the driver to open the door. "Then we won't disturb you, President Monroe."

Ethan nodded. As he was about to leave, a cheerful voice called, "Dad!"

A girl rushed over, leaping into his arms. Ethan's gaze softened.

Thea glanced at the girl. "Isn't that Joyce?"

Sensing Thea's gaze, Joyce looked up. "Thea, you're here too?"

Ethan frowned. "Do you know each other?"

Joyce answered happily. "Dad, she's the amazing girl I told you about. She collaborated with me last time. I really admire her; she's my friend."

Thea felt warmth spread through her heart. She hadn't expected Joyce to openly declare their friendship.

Ethan looked at Thea with softer eyes. "She often mentions you. I didn't realize. It seems I misunderstood you," he explained.

Thea knew this was her chance. "President Monroe, perhaps you've heard gossip from Emmalie and the vice president. But I believe my personal matters shouldn't hinder the collaboration between…"