M 

Chapter 78 

BETA stepped back, sensing that Leo was on the verge of another outburst. 

He had seen this pattern before, the way Leo’s mood darkened whenever Elizabeth was involved. 

It was as if she had become his anchor, and without her, he was adrift. 

But then, as if on a whim, Leo picked up his phone and dialed a number. 

BETA watched in surprise as Leo’s entire demeanor shifted, his voice softening as he spoke into the phone. 

s the first day in Serevia City,” Leo said, his tone gentle, almost tender. 

“How are you feeling? Are you adjusting to everything?” 

Panther, Leo’s BETA was stunned by the change. 

The gruff, irritable man who had just thrown papers across the room seemed like a different person now. 

Whoever was on the other end of the line had managed to calm him, to bring out a side of Leo that few ever saw. 

Beta stood quietly, unsure of what to make of this transformation. 

He didn’t know what 

person said, but it was clear that Leo’s mood had been soothed, the storm in his eyes receding just a little. 

The thought filled BETA with a deep sense of unease as he watched Leo, the man who had once been feared for his cold–bloodedness, now struggling with emotions he had long tried to keep buried. He was a little curious. 

had 

As I sat 

the other man said that had calmed down such an irascible Leo? 

there, struggling with the tangle of emotions that Rolin’s words had stirred within me, my phone rang, abruptly cutting through the thick, charged atmosphere. 

A wave of inexplicable relief washed over me, offering a much–needed escape from the intensity of the moment. 

I signaled to Rolin that I needed to take the call and moved to the side, grateful for the temporary reprieve. 

When I glanced at the screen, I was surprised to see Leo’s name. 

In this strange place, far from everything familiar, hearing his voice brought an unexpected warmth to my heart. 

“Liz,” he began, his voice steady yet laced with a hint of concern, “It’s nighttime where you are, isn’t it? Why aren’t you asleep? How are you settling in? 

the city treating you?” 

a little touched by his concern, a softness creeping into my heart. 

night,” I repli 

“Just a bit of insomnia, I guess. It’s been a lot to take in.” 

“Get some rest, Liz. You need to be at your best for the competition,” he advised, his tone serious but caring. 

There was a pause, and then I heard him cough twice. 

Instinctively, I frowned, worried despite the distance. 

“Leo, you’ve got to remember to cut back on the smoking while I’m away. It’s not good for you,” I found myself saying, the words slipping out before I could think twice. 

“Alright, alright,” he responded, a soft chuckle in his voice. 

On the other end of the line, I imagined him picking up his cigarette case, hesitating for a moment before tossing it into the bin with a resigned sigh. 

You know what, Liz?‘ He said in a low voice, “Talking to you always calms me down, even if it’s just hearing your voice.‘ 

10% 

Chapter 78 

We chatted a bit more, the conversation lighter now, filled with small reassurances and words of encouragement. 

When we finally hung up, I turned back to Rolin, who was still seated at the piano. 

The soft glow of the moonlight illuminated his figure, making him appear almost ethereal, yet undeniably lonely. 

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and offered him a small, apologetic smile. 

“I think I should get some rest,” I said quietly, not wanting to disturb the fragile peace that had settled between us. 

Rolin nodded, his expression unreadable, though I could feel his gaze following me as I made my way back to my room. 

There was a weight in his eyes, a silent longing that tugged at my heartstrings even as I walked away. 

nice inside my room, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, exhaling a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. 

My mind was still whirling from the events of the evening, but I knew I couldn’t afford to dwell on them. 

The competition was looming, and I had worked too hard to let anything distract me now. 

I shook off the lingering thoughts of Rolin and Leo and focused on the music I would be playing tomorrow. 

Each note, each phrase, every subtle nuance of the piece played over and over in my mind as I mentally prepared myself for the performance. 

This was my chance, and I couldn’t let anything, or anyone, get in the way. 

The Serevia International Pianoforte Competition, is one of the most important musical events in the world.