Chapter 72


    Chapter 72


    Paxton, a man of culture, felt his eyes brim with tears as he spoke passionately about his work.


    Moved by his emotion, Cressida eximed, “Oh, how heartbreaking!”


    Paxton quicklyposed himself and clinked sses with Sullivan, his spirits lifting. “But I’ll find her.


    It’s never toote for music.”


    Sullivan offered a restrained smile. “Paxton, your dedication to ssical music is truly touching.”


    With his subtle nce, Bianca knew her cue and gracefully presented a check for 2 million dors. Her


    words were carefully chosen, “This is a modest gesture of support for ssical music from Mr. Lowry.


    Please ept it. And should you need more, Mr. Lowry won’t hesitate to assist”


    Paxton replied with a polite reserve, “Such generosity from Mr. Lowry upon our first meeting is


    overwhelming!”


    As Sullivan readied to leave, Paxton’s assistant, Luke, took the check and saw Sullivan and his party


    out.


    Returning to Paxton, who was still sipping his drink, Luke chuckled, “Where did Mr. Lowry find such a


    ‘gem? She’s no match for Megan, from talent to emotion. And looks? Hardly aparison.”


    Paxton drawled, “Her ying is quite atrocious!*


    Luke hesitated, then asked, “So, you won’t take Cressida on?”


    Setting down his ss, Paxton sighed softly. “Luke, our line of work might sound noble, but any job that


    feeds you is tough. No matter how principled I am, it’s hard without money. When someone’s willing to


    throw cash at ssical music, how can I refuse? We’ve got enough hands for the menial tasks; we’ll


    find a spot for Cressida. The key isunching Megan and maintaining my reputation.”


    Amused, Luke flicked the check. Then shall I arrange a meeting with Megan for you? How about at


    Joyful Junction Café by Sea Fishermen’s Haven? I recall Megan adores their pastries.”


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    Paxton shot him a knowing smile, “You have a good memory!”


    After Sullivan’s departure, Cressida was still puzzled as she asked, “Why would Mr. Lowry give him


    money if Paxton won’t take me on? It’s outrageous!”


    nca thought to herself that Cressida didn’t understand a thing.


    For a maestro like Paxton to ept a novice like her on first meeting would be beneath him. The 2


    million dors was just an opening bid, a show of Mr. Lowry’s sincerity.


    To Cressida, Bianca spoke with patience and a gentle tone, “Paxton is very selective; he doesn’t just


    take on any student. Be patient, Ms. Baldwin. There’s nothing Mr. Lowry can’t handle.”


    Cressida hesitated, then asked softly, “Is my ying that bad?”


    Bianca remained silent, adjusting her dress.


    Sullivan usually didn’t bother with such conversations.


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    As the chauffeur brought the car around, Sullivan slipped inside. Cressida attempted to follow, but the


    driver blocked the door. “Apologies, Ms. Baldwin, but Mr. Lowry has private arrangements. Please wait


    for apany car with nca.”


    With that, the driver closed the door and drove off, leaving a distraught Cressida behind.


    She hade with a mission, dressed in her finest, hoping not just to meet Paxton but to dine with


    Sullivan, and perhaps even find an opportunity for intimacy.


    But Sullivan had left her in the dust.


    nca couldn’t hide her schadenfreude. “Ms. Baldwin, I’ve always said… best not to harbor certain


    thoughts!”


    A sleek ck limousine then pulled up. Cressida, mistaking it for Sullivan’s return, was overjoyed, but


    her joy was short–lived.


    The luxury car’s window rolled down slowly, revealing not Sullivan, but his mother, Cami


    Cami’s stem gaze met Cressida’s, Without uttering a word, the disdain in her eyes sent a chill down


    Cressida’s spine.


    nca, sensing the gravity of the moment, bowed her head in respect, “Madam!”


    Cami ignored her, her gaze fixed ory Cressida like a venomous snake, leaving her trembling in fear