Chapter 553: The Intent Is Not in the Wine

These days, young women really idolize handsome, refined older men—they say being pampered by an older guy feels way better.

Now, although Mr. Adams is from Vesperia, his features fit Aethel’s standards pretty well: deep-set eyes, a high nose bridge, blond hair and blue eyes, and that perfectly tailored suit really brings out his gentlemanly air.

"Miss Cecilia Vaughn, your piece ’Life’ is absolutely outstanding. Back at Stellerton University’s auditorium, I apologize for my one-sided remarks. Now that I think about it, your playing was even more captivating than Miss Fiona’s."

Watching this Vesperian uncle shower her with one compliment after another, Cecilia’s mind quickly flashed through some possibilities. With a half-smile, she shot a sidelong glance at Fiona but didn’t bother to shake hands with Mr. Adams.

"Mr. Adams, saying that now feels a little too much like being a Monday morning quarterback, doesn’t it?"

"Monday morning quarterback?"

Mr. Adams repeated Cecilia’s words in English.

Cecilia saw he hadn’t heard of "Zhuge Liang" in English, so he obviously wouldn’t get the meaning. A frank smile appeared on her face.

"Oh, maybe you don’t know what that means. Let me put it simply—if you genuinely adore my talent so much, why not tell the school you hope to swap my rank with Fiona’s? Of course, that’s still not weighty enough. How about giving me the Youth Friendship Ambassador title that Miss Fiona won for Veridia and Vesperia? That way, I’d totally believe in your sincerity."

...

Mr. Adams’s face instantly soured.

And Fiona looked even more mortified.

"Sis, Mr. Adams already admitted he was wrong—why are you still hung up on those little things? He just didn’t really get Veridia’s ancient zither culture back then. After I gave him a quick intro, he was stunned, and he thinks it’s amazing someone your age can compose such moving music."

"Stunned?"

Cecilia couldn’t help but laugh—a first for her to hear someone claim to be stunned by something *after* being explained to.

This is just too ridiculous.

Does she look like a gullible three-year-old in kindergarten?

"Fiona, if you’re really sincere, why not persuade the judges to give your ambassador title to me, or—is it, in Mr. Adams’s mind, you’re still better than me?"

Cecilia was purposely prodding the two of them—of course she knew they just wanted to give her a sweet treat after the fact; she’s not dumb.

Even if she doesn’t care for those things, she has no qualms about making the other side squirm a bit.

...

Fiona gave an awkward laugh.

"Sis, but the judges have already made their decision, everyone knows the final result. Aren’t you making things hard for Mr. Adams? If you goad him just for your own benefit, that’s kinda forgetting the original intention of choosing a Youth Friendship Ambassador between our two countries."

"Since Mr. Adams finds it awkward, Fiona, you could just step aside on your own. You’re pregnant, anyway. Surely attending all these events with a big belly isn’t too convenient? Why not hand over the role to someone more fit?"

Cecilia pretended not to pick up on Fiona’s jab at her character, smiling as she hurled the question right back.

Fiona’s face stiffened, a flash of anger on her face—but she managed to suppress it.

"Sis, what logic is that, to just give up the position? Wouldn’t it make people think I treat this formal event between Veridia and Vesperia colleges like a joke?"

"Mr. Adams really admires you. He wants to chat privately. Maybe I shouldn’t bother and let you two talk things out, letting go of the unpleasantness from earlier on stage?"

...

"Yes, beautiful Miss Cecilia, I truly apologize! I shouldn’t have called your piece too somber before. In fact, if you think about it, there’s a lot of positive energy in there."

Mr. Adams looked intently at Cecilia, face showing an eagerness to please.

Seeing Mr. Adams’s overly friendly face, and Fiona’s obvious desire to set them up alone together, Cecilia—who’d initially been half skeptical—finally realized what Fiona was really up to.

So basically, the drunk’s intent isn’t the wine—she actually wants to serve Cecilia up to this visiting Vesperian professor as a meal?

Cecilia grew uneasy, eyes darting to Fiona’s belly. Could it be Fiona thought she couldn’t repay Adams’s favor now that she’s pregnant, so she’s roping in her "cheap" big sister as a stand-in?

You can’t blame Cecilia for thinking this way—Fiona’s black marks are way too many. If you really dig up her road to fame, ASC Television’s Station Director Alden is probably just the tip of the iceberg.

...

Cecilia’s expression stayed calm, pretending not to notice Fiona’s little scheme, instead arching a brow with a smile.

"May I ask where Mr. Adams is staying? After all, this is my sister’s room. Not really the best place for a chat. How about going to mine and Adrian’s suite? My husband knows violins pretty well—maybe you two will have something in common."

Seeing Cecilia play dumb, Fiona thought excitedly that Adrian was probably busy rolling around in the bathtub with Rosalind White right now, lost in passionate madness—feeling both smug and self-satisfied.

"Sis, I’m afraid Mr. Law won’t have time, but Mr. Adams’s room is on the same floor. Why don’t you two talk first, and later Mr. Law can join you easily if needed?"

"Sure, can’t say no to that."

Cecilia’s face curved into a gently smiling expression.

...

Fiona’s eyes suddenly lit up!

"Awesome, Sis! I knew you’d be the most generous."

Ha—she just feared Cecilia wouldn’t take the bait. After all, Adams’s room is already prepped with Passion Burning Incense. Fiona had originally wanted Adams to "get" Cecilia here, but then thought: what if something went wrong? Better to switch to Adams’s own room, so she could wash her hands of any blame.

...

Cecilia stepped out of the elevator with Adams.

On the way, Adams’s gaze kept drifting, trying all sorts of jokes to coax Cecilia into a good mood.

Cecilia wasn’t some clueless schoolgirl, she wouldn’t fall for that. Almost at Adams’s door, she whipped out her pepper spray and hit him right in the face.

"Game over!"

Adams howled in pain.

"Cecilia, what are you doing! That hurts... ah, my eyes—"

"Pepper spray’s fun, isn’t it?"

With a grin, Cecilia was about to stomp on him for good measure when Adrian Law suddenly appeared from around the corner. Under Cecilia’s surprised gaze, Adrian shoved Adams into the room and locked the door with swift precision!

A faint, seductive scent lingered in the air, but Cecilia barely had time to notice—her husband’s merciless move had left her utterly gobsmacked.

"Adrian? Isn’t that our room number!? Don’t tell me you got it wrong?"