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 exclaimed, “Oh, how heartbreaking!”
Paxton quickly composed himself and clinked glasses with Sullivan, his spirits lifting. “But I’ll find her. It’s never too late for music.”
Sullivan offered a restrained smile. “Paxton, your dedication to classical music is truly touching.”
With his subtle glance, Bianca knew her cue and gracefully presented a check for 2 million dollars. Her words were carefully chosen, “This is a modest gesture of support for classical music from Mr. Lowry. Please accept 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 a comparison.”
Paxton drawled, “Her playing is quite atrocious!*
Luke hesitated, then asked, “So, you won’t take Cressida on?”
Setting down his glass, 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 classical music, how can I refuse? We’ve got enough hands for the menial tasks; we’ll find a spot for Cressida. The key is launching 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.”
25 22 2
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!”
Blanca thought to herself that Cressida didn’t understand a thing.
For a maestro like Paxton to accept a novice like her on first meeting would be beneath him. The 2 million dollars 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 playing that bad?”
Bianca remained silent, adjusting her dress.
Sullivan usually didn’t bother with such conversations.
225 22 3/6 8 2 2
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 a company car with Blanca.”
With that, the driver closed the door and drove off, leaving a distraught Cressida behind.
She had come 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.
Blanca couldn’t hide her schadenfreude. “Ms. Baldwin, I’ve always said… best not to harbor certain thoughts!”
A sleek black 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, Camilla
Camilla’s stem gaze met Cressida’s, Without uttering a word, the disdain in her eyes sent a chill down Cressida’s spine.
Blanca, sensing the gravity of the moment, bowed her head in respect, “Madam!”
Camilla ignored her, her gaze fixed ory Cressida like a venomous snake, leaving her trembling in fear
