A Surprising Twist of Fates (Sierra and Theo)

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."

"Then, have lunch at the campus cafeteria," she suggested with a knowing smile. "I just got off the phone with Sierra—she's eating there right now."

His fingers stilled slightly on his cup before he placed it back on the table. A fleeting shadow crossed his eyes. "Aunt Jemima, have you eaten yet?"

"I already had lunch," Jemima

answered with a grin. "Go on now. If

you're going to pursue a girl, you

have to be direct. If you're too reserved, she might just slip away."

Theo said nothing, but after a pause, he gave a small nod, stood up, and left the office.

Jemima watched him go, shaking her head with a chuckle.

"Damn, who is that? He's ridiculously hot!"

"No way—when did our school start having guys this good-looking?"

"He's insane! Way hotter than any celebrity I've ever seen."

His chiseled features were framed by slightly tousled dark hair, resting just above his striking, sharp brows His deep set, obsidian eyes carried an unreadable intensity, and the natural red hue at the corners of his eyes only added to his unattainable affure.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, he exuded a distant, almost untouchable aura—too refined, too polished, making it hard for anyone to just casually walk up to him.

Every student passing by unconsciously turned their heads, their eyes locking onto him, completely mesmerized.

"Who is that guy? He's way too handsome!"

"I swear, I've never seen a guy this attractive in real life! His legs are longer than my life expectancy."

"He's even hotter than Cayden!"

Janice and her group had just

emerged from the piano room when

Felicia heard those comments

Instantly, her brows knitted together,

a flash of irritation crossing her face.

Who could possibly be better-looking than Cayden?

She lifted her head, following their gazes—and the moment she saw Theo, her expression stiffened.

That face... Impossibly sharp, and devastatingly handsome. He wasn't just attractive—he was the kind of stunning that made people forget how to breathe.