Lahat ng Kabanata ng Side Chick Era… Over: Kabanata 161 - Kabanata 170

"This is the perfect out for you right now," Nate said coolly. "Take it while you still can. This talent showcase is being recorded, you know. Once it's online, there's no taking it back. You really want your most embarrassing moment living on the internet forever? Be the punchline to everyone's jokes? Honestly, you should be thanking Kelly. If not for her, you'd be the laughingstock of the whole show."Wendy stared at him, stunned at how shameless he was. "So by your logic, Kelly dumping coffee all over Sharon was the right thing to do? We should be grateful to her for it?"Nate didn't flinch. "If you want to thank her, we won't stop you. But don't go blaming Kelly later just because you can't pull it together onstage. We're not taking the fall for that."Kelly tugged lightly at Nate's sleeve, her voice soft. "Nate, let it go. I didn't mean to, but… it was my fault.""You're too kind, Kelly," Nate said coldly, shooting a look at Sharon. "That's exactly why people think they can wa

"I'll just say it right now," Nate declared, his voice loud and cocky. "Out of all the parents here today, not a single one can hold a candle to Kelly. If anyone disagrees, step up and prove me wrong."It was an arrogant statement—delivered without shame. The crowd stirred, surprised whispers rippling through the room.But no one stepped forward.The Bell University Conservatory of Music in Marcentine had a serious reputation. Tons of privileged sons and daughters from powerful families had tried to get in—hoping to boost their résumés overseas after failing to stand out at home. Most didn't even make it past the application process.This wasn't the kind of school where you could pull strings or call in favors. It was a place for true prodigies.Everyone here had been around the elite long enough to understand what kind of game Kelly was playing. After hearing the back-and-forth just now, most of them had already put the pieces together.Wasn't this just another classic case? A m

Though Kelly was a bit curious, she nodded.It wasn't long before Lucy came back, holding a clipboard."Kelly, would you mind giving me your autograph?""Of course." Kelly took the pen and signed her name with practiced ease.Lucy beamed as she accepted the clipboard, then asked, "Are you here today as one of the guest judges?""No," Kelly replied with a smile, gently pulling Theo closer. "I'm just here to support Theo for the showcase."Lucy looked down at Theo, and her eyes lit up with admiration."No wonder he's your son. He's extraordinary—you can see it right away. I wouldn't be surprised if you two end up taking home the champion title today."Coming from a judge, that kind of statement was already stepping over a line.Another judge, clearly unimpressed by Lucy's behavior, raised his voice with a sharp edge."Lucy, who is this woman? A friend of yours?"Lucy understood the implication but answered without hesitation."No, not a friend. This is Kelly Walt, a violinist

"Go ahead," Sharon said.Kelly held her gaze, her voice calm and deliberate. "If you lose, you'll give me Shaluna."Wendy's expression turned stormy in an instant. "Kelly, are you seriously addicted to stealing things that don't belong to you?"Shaluna, like the necklace around Kelly's neck, had belonged to Sharon's mother. But unlike the necklace, Shaluna was worth a hundred times more—both in monetary value and sentimental weight.To be precise, it was priceless.And Kelly knew exactly what she was doing.If she lost, all she'd be doing was returning something that was never hers to begin with.But if she won? She'd walk away with something extraordinary—without ever having lifted a finger to deserve it.Kelly ignored Wendy completely, her eyes locked onto Sharon."Well? Do you have the guts, Sharon?""I do." Sharon stopped Wendy from saying more. "There are enough people here as witnesses. No need to record or write anything down, right?"Nate cut in with a sneer, "Just d

"That's just an excuse," Xavier said quietly. "Carter doesn't want a divorce. Even if Sharon agrees to walk away with nothing, he still won't go through with it."Wendy snapped, "Did you see how the Biggs family acted just now? They didn't even try to hide it in front of Sharon. Behind closed doors, I bet they've already decided Kelly's going to be their daughter-in-law. If he's that hung up on Kelly, then fine—divorce Sharon and marry her. But no, he wants to have it both ways. It's disgusting."Xavier's tone was calm, almost indifferent. "Carter's logic is pretty simple. Sharon's a good wife and a good mother. Kelly, on the other hand, doesn't have much time left. Do you really think he'd toss Sharon aside for someone with only a few months to live?""So what?" Wendy snapped. "He thinks Sharon's just some kind of backup plan he can crawl back to whenever it suits him? If he really wants to play dirty, what, are we supposed to just let him?"Sharon's voice cut in—cold and clear. "