Chapter 168
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Rolin’s lips, clearly pleased to hear Elizabeth being praised so highly.
“She’s not only a prodigy on the piano, but she’s also a remarkable racer. You should see her in action when you get the chance.”
Tira’s eyes gleamed with pride and nostalgia.
“I know. She’s my daughter. I had the same love for speed and thrills when I was younger, too.”
Rolin’s expression softened, his tone gentler.
en if you can’t acknowledge her just yet, maybe you could invite her to play the piano with you more often. Give yourselves some time together.”
Tira’s face brightened as she suddenly remembered something.
She turned to her Beta, who had been standing silently by her side. “Freya, call Holt.”
With a nod, BETA Freya dialed the number and handed the phone to Tira.
The line connected quickly, and Tira’s voice took on a commanding, no–nonsense tone.
“Holt, you don’t need to look for another candidate for that piano gig. I’ve already found someone who’s perfect.”
Holt, on the other end of the line, sounded surprised. “So soon? Who?”
“It’s a young pianist named Elizabeth. She’s incredible. In fact, I was so impressed that I offered her five million dollars on the spot,” Tira replied, her tone laced with satisfaction.
There was a long, tense pau
on
Holt’s side of the call. He was floored.
*Five million dollars?”
He could feel the opportunity slipping through his fingers, the fortune he could have earned now out of reach.
He clenched his jaw. “Five million?” He repeated, trying to mask his frustration.
“Well, if you need anything else in the future, don’t hesitate to come to me.”
f
Tira’s response was curt, a polite dismissal. “We’ll see,” she said before hanging up the phone.
Holt slammed the phone down, his face twisted in anger.
His eyes immediately darted to Aria, who was sitting across from him.
“Elizabeth went directly to Tira and snatched a five–million–dollar deal,” he hissed.
Aria’s expression darkened, but she tried to brush it off.
“She just got lucky,” she muttered under her breath.
Holt’s patience snapped.
“Lucky? Do you even understand what’s happened? Tira is one of my biggest clients–her business alone is worth hundreds of millions. And now, because of you, all of it has gone to Elizabeth!”
He pounded his fist on the table, his frustration boiling over.
Aria was startled by the outburst. She hadn’t realized the depth of the situation.
She glared at Holt, defensive,
“Why didn’t you tell me how important it was? I thought this was just about a single piano performance!”
10:17
After I Amazed the World, the Cold Alpha Regretted
Chapter 168
ot glowered at her, shaking his head
I didn’t expect Elizabeth to figure out that Tira was involved, let alone strike a deal with her. And now, because of that, I’ve lost everything I worked for.” He leaned in closer, his voice lowering dangerously. “And as for you, stop dreaming about Leo. You and him? It’s never going to happen.”
Aria’s heart stung at his words, but she kept her mouth shut, unwilling to show how deeply they affected her.
She stood, coldly brushing off Holt’s rant.
You’re my uncle. If you won’t help me, then at least don’t side with other women,” she accused before storming out of the room.
Holt remained seated, his face flushed with anger, his chest heaving as he struggled to calm down
The weight of losing Tira’s business–and the money that came with it–was unbearable.
zabeth’s POV**
Three days later, I made my way to the bank and cashed the check that Tira had given me.
The number in my account was staggering.
I could hardly believe I was holding a check worth five million dollars.
As soon as the money was transferred into my account, I quickly wired a million to Leo.
I knew he had been instrumental in getting me the gig, even if it was my playing that had secured it.
I owed him at least that much.
After transferring the funds to Leo, I sent another amount to Orlando, before leaving the bank and stepping into the warm evening air.
Later that day, as I finished work and stepped outside, I saw Leo’s sleek car parked in front of the building.
He was leaning against the side, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on me.
His handsome face was hard, grim, like he had been carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
I walked up to him, tilting my head in curiosity. “Who pissed you off today?”
His eyes narrowed as he stared me down. “Who else would dare piss me off but you?”
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