Bianca struggled to keep her anger in check , her gaze at Kaia burning with jealousy and pure loathing . ' Why can Kaia play so well ? I just don't get it , ' Bianca thought , frustration bubbling inside her . ' Why ? ' she fumed inwardly . Suddenly , it clicked on her . She muttered , " I bet Kaia just practices that one piece day and night . She doesn't have any real talent . She's just putting on a show ! " Cecelia was standing right next to Bianca , so of course she heard everything they said . She caught a glimpse of Bianca's uncomfortable expression out of the corner of her eye . Bianca was her best friend . There was no way Cecelia would just sit back and watch her get picked on . Without hesitating , Cecelia marched over and yelled at the group , " Are you guys deaf or something ? How could she possibly sound better than Bianca ? If you don't know music , then stop talking nonsense ! " As Cecelia spoke , a flush crept up her ears . Even though she was mad at everyone for talking about Bianca like that , she had to admit Kaia's playing really was a notch above Bianca's . The people who'd been talking immediately backed off , not daring to say another word . After all , they'd just been running their mouths for fun . No way were they going to risk ticking off Cecelia , the Moreno heiress . It just wasn't worth it . Once the crowd had dispersed , Cecelia turned back to Bianca , trying to cheer her up . " Bianca , don't let what they said get to you . You're miles ahead of Kaia . Seriously , they wouldn't recognize real talent if it hit them in the face . They're just talking nonsense . " Bianca shook her head , pretending not to care , but her expression was still downcast . " I'm not bothered . They're right . Kaia's better than me ." " Come on, don't say that ! There's no way she's better than you . You're incredible . Kaia's not even in the same league . She could practice for a hundred years and still never catch up to you ! " Bianca forced a smile , her voice tinged with resignation . 1/7 12:02 am Chapter 44 55 youchers " I saw Tobias watching Kaia just now . He must've thought her playing was impressive . That's why he was looking at her . " Cecelia shook her head vigorously , her tone firm . " You must be seeing things . There's no way Tobias would ever be interested in that good - for- nothing ! Don't worry . I'll stand up for you. I refuse to believe we won't see her embarrass herself tonight ! " Just as Cecelia was speaking , Kaia finished her piano piece and came down from the stage . She walked calmly in Tobias's direction , looking completely at ease. It wasn't like she was purposely heading for Tobias - standing up on the stage , she'd had a clear view of every corner of the banquet hall . With just a glance , she'd spotted her favorite strawberry cakes over on that side , and she was practically drooling at the thought . Now that she was off the stage , of course , she had to go over and grab some ! Coincidentally , Cecelia was standing right next to Tobias . Kaia strolled over to Cecelia , giving her a casual , faint smile . She said casually , " Sorry if I made a fool of myself up there . " " Hmph , you just got lucky with a piece you practiced to death . Don't think you're some kind of prodigy ! " Cecelia shot back , her face pale with irritation . Cecelia absolutely hated the smug look on Kaia's face . She was itching to just rush over and tear that ugly , self - satisfied grin right off Kaia's face . Kaia caught the burning anger and frustration in Cecelia's eyes . She looked so pent - up , like she might snap and try to bite Kaia's head off at any second . Kaia just smiled , not even bothering to acknowledge Cecelia's powerless rage , and played along . She neered , " Yeah , you're really something , guessing that right off the bat . " Honestly , this is the only piece I can play well . You wouldn't believe how many years I've spent grinding away at it . ' Doesn't matter though , I still came out on top . " Miss Moreno , time to get on your knees . " " You cheated ! " Cecelia snapped , her voice shaking with rage . " And you think I'd kneel to a piece of 2/7 12:02 am Chapter 44 55 vouchers trash like you ? Keep dreaming ! " " Don't want to kneel ? Fine , let me help you with that , " Kaia interrupted , her patience running thin . Right at that moment , Kaia , who had been standing there with that faint , unbothered smile , suddenly sprang into action . She moved like a flash of lightning , appearing behind Cecelia in the blink of an eye . With one smooth sideways kick , she sent Cecelia crashing down , forcing her to her knees ! By the time anyone could react , the so - called good - for - nothing Kaia had already stomped her foot down on Cecelia's head for everyone to see . She stood there like a queen , looking down on everyone with absolute disdain . A loud , explosive bang echoed through the room , as if a bomb had gone off in everyone's heads . Everyone felt a thunderous crack exploding in their minds . They stared at Kaia like she was some kind of monster , totally freaked out , their jaws nearly hitting the floor . Even Cecelia was so stunned that she couldn't get a word out . She totally forgot Kaia's foot was still on her head , just gaping in shock . She snapped out of it and started wailing , " Tobias , save me ! " Upon hearing that , Kaia shot Tobias a sharp , warning glare . Much to her shock , Tobias's brows knitted together , his lips set in a cold , hard line . His voice was icy and detached . " Cecelia , you made a bet and lost . Take your punishment and learn from it . " Under Tobias's deep , sharp gaze , Cecelia felt the overwhelming pressure , like the air had been sucked out of the room , and she couldn't breathe . That was when she remembered Tobias was not someone to be messed with . The only time he'd ever shown a hint of gentleness was when he was with Kaia . Seeing Tobias wasn't going to interfere , Kaia yanked Cecelia up . " Since you don't want to kneel , how about I give you a few more slaps instead ? That's not too much to ask , is it ? " With that , Kaia smacked Cecelia across the face seven or eight times , leaving her face swollen and puffy . Kaia turned to Bianca and landed another seven or eight slaps on her , making sure her face was just as swollen and piggy - looking as Cecelia's . 3/7 12:02 am Chapter 44 The two besties , faces matching in their puffiness , bolted out of the room in tears . 55 vouchers Watching Cecelia storm off , Tobias turned to Kaia , curiosity flickering in his eyes . " When did you learn to play the piano ? " How many things has she picked up ? And how does she manage to be so good at every single one ? " he wondered . Kaia looked completely serious as she replied , " I never really studied piano . I just skimmed a couple of books " Tobias's face froze in rare surprise . After a couple of seconds , he asked , " So you're saying you just read a few books in the library , and you can already play at that level ? " I think it's pretty average , honestly . Nothing to brag about , " Kaia replied with a shrug . Tobias took a deep breath , and it finally hit him . So that's why Grandpa picked her as my fiancée . She's seriously something else ! ' he thought . Just as he was thinking that , Kaia's voice , sounding a little tired and uninterested , drifted over . " Being your fiancée is nothing but trouble . Good thing there are only a few days left , " she said , her tone flat . Tobias's expression darkened instantly , the air around him growing heavy . They just brought out some fresh blueberry cakes . I'm going to get some , " Kaia said , already heading that way . As this was happening , Devin also noticed Joel moving in Kaia's direction . That Frank guy is seriously loyal . Even at a party like this , he barely leaves Miss Bennett's side , Devin remarked . Tobias noticed Joel , too . Joel stopped about 6.5 feet away from Kaia , positioning himself nearby , quietly standing guard . The way Joel just naturally stationed himself near Kaia felt like he was born to watch over her , like that was exactly where he belonged . " Hey , do you think they know each other ? He looks kind of familiar to me , " Tobias wondered aloud . " Who ? " Devin responded right away . " You mean Miss Bennett and Frank ? " No chance . I already asked the butler . When Miss Bennett and Frank first met , they were total strangers . Before Tobias could ask anything else , he spotted his cousin , Griffin Moreno , heading over to Kaia . 4/7 12:03 am Chapter 44 55 vouchers Griffin walked up to Kaia , casually brushing his hair back from his forehead , flashing what he thought was a super charming smile . " I'm Griffin . I was there too when you got engaged to my cousin Tobias , " he said , trying to sound smooth . " Oh , I didn't notice , " Kaia replied , completely unfazed , still munching on her cake . The next second , Griffin suddenly moved closer , getting right up in Kaia's space . Tobias's face turned stormy . Just as he was about to step forward , Russell stepped right in front of him , blocking his line of sight . " Tobias , how about we hit the road after the party ? Let's go wild for a bit . The guys are already headed out , " Russell suggested . " Move , you're in my way , " Tobias said , his voice cold and impatient . " What ? " Russell blinked , totally confused . Russell paused for a second , then turned to follow Tobias's gaze . He immediately spotted Kaia and Griffin standing together . " Huh ? What's up with those two ? You know , Griffin's kind of a playboy. Don't tell me he's got his eye on your fiancée just because she's pretty ? " Russell said , sounding half - joking . As soon as the words left his mouth , Russell swore the air around them turned arctic . He glanced back at Tobias and nearly shivered . Tobias's already icy face looked like it had just frosted over . " Judging by how tense you are , you do fancy her , huh ? " Russell said , a knowing look in his eyes . Tobias didn't say a word , just pressed his lips into a thin , tight line . To Russell , that silence was as good as a confession . Meanwhile , Griffin was giving Kaia a blatant once - over , not even trying to hide how he was eyeing her up . Kaia's bare shoulders shimmered with a soft , rosy glow , and her curves were as juicy and tempting as a perfectly ripe peach , just waiting to be picked . But it was those mesmerizing , bright eyes , like they had tiny hooks inside , beckoning him closer . He could barely hold back the wild , primal urge rising inside . ' She's so damn hot ! ' Griffin thought , practically drooling . 5/7 12:03 am Chapter 44 55 vouchers Kaia looked up , danger simmering in her star - bright eyes . " If you weren't Keaton's grandson , you'd have lost those eyes already . " Griflin let out a low , mocking chuckle . " No wonder you fought with Tobias's mother on your engagement day . Damn , you're spicy . I like that . " " Sounds to me like you've got a death wish ," Kaia replied , her voice turning even icier . " You've been hanging around Tobias lately , huh ? Bet he's given you a hard time . That's just how he is - never knows how to be gentle with a woman , " Griffin said , his tone oozing fake sympathy . " What's your point ? " Kaia cut in , her words sharp as a blade . " You and Tobias ? Please , that's a dead end . Your engagement's about to expire anyway . Why not ditch him and be with me ? I'll hook you up with all the bags and bling you want . Not that I'd ever marry you - my folks think you're way too low - class . " " Are you done ? " Kaia looked bored and annoyed . Griffin just grinned , totally missing the disgust on Kaia's face , way too pleased with himself . He teased , " All done . So ? Bet you're interested , huh ? " Kaia shot back , " Get lost ! " She had officially run out of patience . " You ... " Griffin was about to lose his temper , but then something seemed to click . He flashed a sly , greasy grin . " Oh , I get it . You're scared someone overheard us just now , so you don't dare say yes , right ? Relax , this spot's pretty secluded . No one's around to see us . " Kaia couldn't care less about whatever Griffin was still babbling on about . She tuned him out completely , like he was just background noise . Griffin saw Kaia's silence and just assumed she was agreeing . Eyeing her gorgeous figure , he glanced left and right to make sure no one was watching , then sneakily reached out his hand toward her . ' Does he have a death wish ? ' Kaia thought , her eyes going ice - cold with contempt , Her gaze sharpened , and in a flash , she slipped out of his reach . Then , without hesitation , she swung her leg up and nailed him right in the family jewels ! 6/7 12:03 am Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!