Jovana Shaw said it in a playful way, and after speaking, she stuck out her tongue—a mischievous and adorable girl like this is hard to dislike.

That is, if you don't know about her two-faced ways.

Once you do, the more she pretends to be innocent, the more nauseating she seems. A child this young with such a scheming mind—clearly, family education is crucial. Privately, some parents have given their children special instructions: absolutely do not associate with her.

The children repeatedly warned by their parents also began to have a bad impression of Jovana Shaw.

Jovana Shaw was unaware her reputation had turned sour without her even realizing it, still basking in her own triumph at outwitting Aurelia Shaw.

Aurelia Shaw can't play the piano.

To be more precise, she hadn't touched a piano in years. Ever since her mother died, she never played the piano again.

The piano meant a lot to her. For someone who hasn't touched it for so many years—no matter how much she learned before—being suddenly forced to perform on stage, there's no way she could play a good piece.

With the piano piece Jovana just played as a comparison, no matter how hard Aurelia tried, all she'd get would be criticism.

The perfect goddess, but can't play the piano?

Ha ha ha.

Jovana knew Aurelia couldn't refuse this invitation. Unless Aurelia admitted herself that she couldn't play the piano—and in that case, all Jovana had to do was innocently say, "But I clearly heard my sister practicing at home..." No one would blame someone for blurting out the 'truth.'

"I know everyone, like myself, must really want to hear Aurelia play for us." The host, clearly a professional, handled the unexpected situation with quick composure and humor. "But honestly, what kind of event makes guests get up and perform? Miss Shaw's piano performance should be saved for another time. For now, let's enjoy a performance from our Q City high school students."

Jovana Shaw let out a low sigh and murmured softly, "As expected, my sister doesn't want to perform in front of so many people."

She was wearing a microphone over her ear—so although it sounded like she was talking to herself, everyone heard what she said.

If Aurelia refuses to go on stage now, tomorrow's headlines will definitely say she's being a diva.

"If you don't want to, you don't have to go up." Mason Nightshade's deep voice sounded by her ear; his eyes narrowed sharply, a glint of murder in them. But his tone remained gentle as ever. "You don't need to care about anyone—or anything—else."

The implication being, he would take care of it for her.

Aurelia shook her head, sounding cocky. "Someone's looking for trouble, why would I stop them?"

She got up and stepped onto the stage, flashing a faint smile: "I'm not very good at it, honestly—I just learned a bit as a kid, and played for a few years at college." (Though most of that was skipping class.) "Since everyone wants to hear so much, I'll play something. But if it sounds bad, please don't laugh at me."

It was the first time people saw the cold, glamorous Queen from the screen show a mischievous side. Suddenly, Aurelia seemed a lot more approachable, not so untouchable, and there was a round of good-natured laughter.

Someone bold—probably a rich kid from who knows where—whistled and shouted, "As long as you play, I'll love it!"

Mason Nightshade narrowed his eyes, silently memorizing the guy's face and name.

Gazing at the dazzling woman on stage, a surge of pride rose in his heart.

She's his woman, and her charm definitely goes far beyond looks. The longer you're around her, the more you get pulled in by the special allure she has.

She's born to stand in the spotlight—even when it's not on stage, in private life she's still the most eye-catching one in the room.

Though she herself hasn't realized this yet.