Calebâs silver tongue elicited a round of laughter from everyone.
It was a first for them to receive compliments from the high and mighty Mr. Powell.
Bursting with happiness, Caleb called, âCome on, letâs go have dinner.â
With that, the large group started filing out of the venue in a friendly atmosphere.
In contrast, Penelope and Mary felt as though they had been dipped in ice-cold water.
Many celebrities had wanted to treat Caleb to a meal, and many wealthy families had wanted to cotton up to him.
Yet, Caleb had ignored those invitations and insisted on having dinner with Ashlynâs bunch.
The Field couple was also sought after. Others desperately wanted to know just one of them as it would make their career.
Oliviaâs mother, Mabel, cast Mary a taunting glance when she passed by her. âMs. Canter, didnât you announce to everyone that Mr. Powell was here for Ryan?â
Unable to refute, Mary felt that Mabel had stripped her of her pride with that reminder.
Initially, everyone did assume Caleb came to the venue for Ryan and would elect him as the next president.
After all, Ryan was the world-renowned Piano Prince. He had good looks and an excellent background.
He was an eligible bachelor with a bright prospect from every angle.
Hence, everyone simply presumed Caleb was there for Ryan.
However, Mary had forgotten the most important point. Ryan had never mentioned if he was close with Caleb.
She was the one who had assumed they were close and thought of it as a fact.
She never expected that Caleb would come for Ashlynâs sake.
Mary was beyond furious. It couldâve been anyone else. Why must it be Ashlyn, that little b*tch!â
She was sitting offstage, so she had a front-row seat to their conversation.
I canât believe Mr. Powell is actually Ashlynâs mentor!
Mary could hear her ears ringing and her head buzzing as though bees were circling her.
Mr. Powell turns out to be Ashlynâs mentor and he even gave her piano lessons? Since when did Ashlyn know such a famous person?
Despite the exquisite makeup on Penelopeâs face, her face was as pale as a sheet.
Her nails almost broke the skin on her palm because of how hard she was clenching her fists. Her eyes were filled with disbelief.
What? Why is Mr. Powell so eager to have dinner with Ashlynâs bunch? What the heck is happening?
Mabel mocked, âIâll give you some advice, Ms. Canter. Donât start bragging before youâre sure of what is happening. Otherwise, youâll be on the receiving end of humiliation, and others will only see you as a laughingstock.â
Her remarks were like a slap across Maryâs and Penelopeâs faces.
The admiration they received earlier from their bragging had now turned into stabs of humiliation.
Mary and Penelope were shamed right in the middle of the bustling theaterâs hall.
Their prides were left in tatters.
As they watched Caleb and Ashlyn leave happily, Mary suddenly rushed to Calebâs front and stopped him. The entire group paused in their path.
âMr. Powell.â
Caleb frowned at the middle-aged woman standing in front of him. This woman looks well taken care of, so she must be from a rich family.
With a confused look, he asked, âYou are?â
Mary shot a glance at the beautiful girl standing beside Caleb and asked with urgency, âMr. Powell, are you really Ashlynâs mentor? Youâre not lying, are you?â
Mr. Powell must have made a slip of his tongue. Iâm sure he doesnât have anything to do with Ashlyn.
After all, how can a little b*tch like Ashlyn be so lucky to be Mr. Powellâs mentee?
Not only Mary but even Hera and Jenny were staring at Caleb with anticipation.
They were hoping he would deny his relationship with Ashlyn.
Especially Penelope. Her fists were clenched tightly as she stared pointedly at Caleb, afraid that she would miss any word from him.