Chapter 71
Paxton’s assistant blinked in surprise. He realized he had just let something slip and quickly covered it up with a smooth, “Oh, Heamed 11 from quick seek”
Sullivan offered a faint smile, not pressing the issue further,
Relieved, the assistant turned his attention to Cressida.
Word was that Ms Baldwin was a prodigy, but he hadn’t heard anything about her being lame. And that outfit she wore was, well, less than flattering
Cressida was buzzing with excitement as she asked, “You’re Paxton, right?”
The assistant offered a polite smile and said, “I’m Paxton’s assistant, Luke,”
Instantly. Cressida’s interest deflated, this man was not Paxton, but merely an assistant.
She rolled her eyes skyward.
Bianca, standing nearby, snickered. Luke was one of the most sought–after talent agents in the industry, his hands full of golden opportunities. Young musicians would kill to curry favor with him! Cressida was nothing special, yet there she was, giving him the cold shoulder
What a fool!
But Bianca kept this to herself; she wanted to savor Cressida’s embarrassment.
Sure enough, when Paxton arrived, Luke leaned in to whisper a few words.
Paxton frowned slightly. But since Sullivan had brought her, he felt compelled to show some courtesy and offered a perfunctory smile.
Cressida sat next to Sullivan, her heart pounding
If Paxton took her under his wing, by the time she finished her studies, she’d be a world–renowned violinist, worthy of Sullivan’s
attention.
Compared to her excitement, Sullivan’s encounter with Paxton was understated. One was a wily fox in the music world, the other a business tycoon; both concealed their sharp edges.
As the drinks flowed, Paxton started to lament.
“Between us, Mr. Lowry, the music business is tough these days! My name might ring bells, but trying to make a splash domestically is another story. Classical music isn’t getting the love, you know. The nouveau riche are all investing in talent shows, who doesn’t like a little skin… Of course, Mr. Lowry, you’re different, a man of taste!”
At this, Sullivan smiled slightly. He didn’t throw money at the problem but instead introduced Cressida, “I have someone fd like you to meet, Paxton.”
It was as if Paxton noticed Cressida for the first time. He sincerely asked her to play a piece for him.
Cressida, thrilled, immediately played a rendition of “Anthem of Glee.”
Sullivan found it noisy, casually sipping his drink. His mind drifted to Megan, recalling the tunes she played at Regal Bolt, several of which he found quite impressive, even astonishing. He had never known Megan could play the violin so beautifully,
Paxton also found the music intrusive. But a maestro is a maestro, his distaste not readily apparent.
He steered the conversation away from Cressida, “Classical music sure is a tough gig! I’ve always dreamed of a world tour, to really showcase the classical heritage globally. Let people hear our compositions, instead of the same ol‘ Anthem of Glee“,”
Cressida felt slighted. Even she could tell Paxton wasn’t impressed
Yet she was unwilling to let go of the opportunity and Interjected. “Paxton, I can perform more…
But Sullivan cut her off. He raised his elegant glass in a toast with Paxton, smiling, “I’m quite intrigued by what you’re saying, Paxton. Please, go on.”
In truth, Paxton had a measure of respect for Sullivan. A young titan in the business world, gracefully navigating every situation. No wonder he had captivated his favorite student all those years ago, causing her to abandon her dreams, intent only on marriage. But now the man of her dreams was seated beside another, seemingly unimpressed.
Paxton became eamest. He spoke slowly, “Years ago, I discovered a student at the conservatory with tremendous talent. She played Love’s Destiny‘ so beautifully! I wanted her to study with me, and she nearly agreed. But in the end, she chose to marry her very own Romeo”
Sullivan’s interest piqued. He held the glass delicately, “And then? She gave up on her musical dream?”
things didn’t go well for her Her family fell on hard units.
Paxton’s gaze was intense. Looking at Sullivan, he said softly. “Afterwa her husband strayed, and she was left to fend for herself. I never saw her again.
