Janice's expression darkened, and she snapped, "You're right. Sierra doesn't deserve to compete with us, and she doesn't deserve to be my mom's student."
Felicia, seeing that her plan was working, pushed further. "Exactly. Whether she really broke up with Benson or not, we should make sure everyone knows about that relationship. The more people see how fake she is, the fewer will fall for her act."
Looking grim, Janice pressed her lips together tightly.
…
Time passed as Sierra practiced in the piano room. The steady rhythm of falling piano keys marked the hours, and before she knew it, the morning had slipped away.
"Cayden, thank you for all your advice this morning. Let me treat you to lunch."
Sierra was appreciative. She had genuinely learned a lot today, and Cayden had not only helped her musically but also stepped in when Janice confronted her. At the very least, she owed him a meal.
Cayden felt a warmth bloom in his chest as he nodded, smiling. "Sure. But let me treat you instead—consider it a welcome-back lunch."
"No way," Sierra responded playfully. "This doesn't count as me officially being back yet. You can treat me once I earn my place as Ms. Anderson's student again."
Her voice was bright and clear, carrying an unmistakable determination.
He chuckled, his eyes soft with admiration. "Alright. Then, I'll look forward to celebrating your victory at the Marisol Cup."
Together, they headed toward the campus cafeteria.
…
Theo had arrived on campus and gone straight to Jemima's office.
"Aunt Jemima."
Jemima looked up, slightly surprised. She set her glasses down and smiled. "Theo? Didn't we just talk this morning? What brings you here so suddenly?"
"I had some free time at lunch. Thought I'd drop by to see how you're doing," Theo replied coolly. He placed a box of Nutritosine and Primaxetine on her desk.
Jemima raised an eyebrow, amused.
"You already sent me a whole batch last time—I haven't even finished them yet," she said as she poured him a drink. "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
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