Chapter 44

Emma quickly scanned her newly acquired ticket, shielding it from curious eyes. News of Starry's Troln City concert had spread like wildfire, creating a frenzy. Tickets were incredibly scarce, priced exorbitantly, and highly sought after. Holding a front-row ticket, Emma instantly became the envy of her classmates.

Kate, though unaware of the ticket's full significance, understood Starry's immense fame. The enigmatic singer, who guarded his personal life fiercely—never revealing his real name or details—had captivated fans for a decade with his unparalleled talent. He was more than a pop icon; he was strikingly handsome and incredibly wealthy, rumored to possess a fortune exceeding her family's by over twenty million dollars.

"Emma, where did you get that ticket?" Kate asked incredulously.

"Is that any of your business?" Emma retorted, clutching the ticket and walking away.

Kate watched her go, then looked down at the shattered perfume bottles at her feet, frustration mounting. Desperate to attend the concert, she knew she had to obtain a ticket.

Meanwhile, Emma consulted her phone, searching for information on Starry. The photos revealed a man both cold and charming—strikingly similar to Daniel. Further searching revealed a shocking truth: her third uncle, Sean Rivera, was the music industry legend.

That night, Kate visited Brad in his opulent apartment. The room was dimly lit, and Brad remained detached and expressionless throughout their encounter. Afterward, he brushed her aside and headed for the bathroom.

"Liam's girlfriend bullied me today," Kate began, following him.

Brad's interest flickered at the mention of Liam. "So what?"

"She pushed me and broke my things. She's so rude! How can Liam be with someone like that?" Kate astutely played on Brad's dislike for Liam, disparaging both him and Emma to gain his favor.

Brad sneered, his amusement laced with disdain.

Kate observed his reflection in the mirror, noting his physique. A frown creased her forehead. "Aren't you upset? Your girlfriend was bullied! It was that despicable couple again!"

After drying his hands, Brad turned, his gaze piercing. "First, you're not my wife. And second," his tone hardened, "I got you into Vark College, yet you can't handle someone like Emma. Do you really expect me to resolve such petty issues for you?"

"But aren't I your girlfriend?" Tears welled in Kate's eyes. "When Emma's in trouble, Liam's always there. Why don't you stand up for me after she bullied me? You hate them, don't you?"

"Enough!" Brad's voice was sharp, his disdain palpable. He had initially been drawn to her under the false pretense of her involvement with Liam. But Emma's presence had revealed Kate's insignificance to Liam. His interest in her waned rapidly, his patience exhausted. The confrontation with Liam's girlfriend only intensified his aversion.

"We're just f**k buddies, Kate. Don't flatter yourself," Brad sneered.

Kate was stunned. "How can you say that?" She had been engaged to Liam, but Brad's attentiveness and warmth had made her feel deeply loved—more so than with the aloof Liam. Brad's dismissal shattered her.

Kate watched Brad emerge from the bathroom, his expression aloof. She hurried after him. "Brad, what did you mean? You need to explain yourself."

Before she reached the bed, Brad pushed her onto the sheets, his grip tightening around her neck, a malicious glint in his eyes. "Keep quiet unless you have to moan in bed!"

As days passed, tension at Vark College mounted with the release of semester rankings. Emma, a top student, expected to be at the top. Instead, she was shocked to find herself ranked tenth. Frowning, she saw Kate's name at the bottom, with a score of zero. Seeking answers, she stormed into Kate's office.

Kate sat nonchalantly at her desk, painting her nails, as if expecting Emma. "I guess you're here about your grade. Let me tell you something. I control the scores, and nothing you say can change that."

Emma's anger flared. "Why would you do this?"

"I simply don't like you," Kate retorted coldly. Since Brad wouldn't support her, she had taken matters into her own hands to prove her superiority.

Emma scoffed. "You're compromising fairness and ethics over personal dislike? People like you shouldn't be in charge of anything at Vark College."

As Emma turned to leave, Kate said slyly, "Hold on. If you want your grade changed, I can give you a chance. Just give me your ticket to Starry's concert." Kate, desperate to attend and envious of her friends' accounts of the event, saw the ticket as a way to elevate her social status.

Emma looked back disdainfully. "You think I'd trade the ticket for my grade? You're delusional." Despite the threat to her academic standing, Emma would not compromise her integrity, especially not for a concert ticket from her uncle.