Arrived 217
Estella harshly criticizes Kevin, accusing him of chasing only physical pleasure and predicting his eventual downfall. She dismisses him as useless and even calls him a beggar, which wounds Kevin’s pride deeply. Despite her scorn, Kevin vows to prove her wrong by making a million dollars, fueled by a mix of resentment and humiliation.
Kevin then gets into a tense conversation with his father’s assistant, Chris, who bluntly tells him that his usual methods of attracting women won’t work on the woman he’s currently pursuing. Chris suggests that Kevin lacks the qualities this woman values beyond money and warns him that chasing her will be difficult, if not impossible. Kevin, however, stubbornly refuses to give up, convinced that as the “prince” of the Chunk family, he should be able to win her over.
Meanwhile, the children’s piano competition officially begins, with Estella arriving early to the judges’ lounge. Despite her youth and striking appearance, some people doubt her qualifications and speculate about her sudden departure from a prestigious orchestra. The competition is well-attended and livestreamed, drawing attention and commentary from viewers, including debates about Estella’s role as a judge.
Throughout these events, Estella’s confidence and Kevin’s determination set the stage for a tense rivalry, while the piano competition serves as a backdrop where personal ambitions and judgments intertwine. The story captures themes of pride, social status, and the challenges of proving oneself beyond appearances.
217 The Piano Competition Begins
Estella sneered. “Chasing nothing but physical pleasure only leaves you empty afterward. And after all these years of playing around, your body’s bound to give out sooner or later. If I chose you, wouldn’t that make me stupid?”
Kevin protested. “How do you know I’ll be useless in the future?”
“Enough. That head of yours can only hold one thing,” Estella said with open disdain. “As far as I’m concerned, you’ve already been eliminated. I only bought you a meal out of pity for a beggar.”
Kevin never imagined she’d call him a beggar.
“The Chunk family is the wealthiest in Sea City, and you dare call me a beggar-”
“But you don’t even have money to eat right now,” Estella cut him off. “If that’s not a beggar, what is it?”
Kevin’s pride shattered. His breathing quickened.
“I’ll prove it. I’ll make that million, just wait.”
“Good luck, then,” Estella said lightly, before walking out of the fast–food shop.
Kevin glared after her, seething with both resentment and humiliation.
He left the shop and climbed into a Rolls–Royce parked by the curb.
In the back seat sat his father’s assistant, Chris.
Expressionless, Chris asked, “You’re really going to keep chasing this business scheme of yours? You’re not touching the resort project?”
Kevin snapped, “I’m busy chasing a woman right now. Who has time for some resort project? Chris, tell me–what’s the fastest way to make a million?”
Chris gave him a long look. “Not with your brain, that’s for certain. Maybe with your body. You’re tall, you’ve got the abs. Some rich woman might be interested.”
“Hell no,” Kevin barked. “I’ve always kept women as mistresses. No way I’ll let myself be kept!”
Chris‘ face didn’t change. “Times have changed. Plenty of wealthy women out there now. Why is it fine for women to live off their looks and bodies, but shameful for men to do the same?”
“No way. I won’t make money that way.”
Chris turned away, silent.
Kevin couldn’t help but ask, “Do you know how to pursue a woman who isn’t materialistic, who has pride, who can make her own money?”
“Give up,” Chris said flatly. “That kind of woman is beyond you.”
Kevin choked.
He refused to believe it.
“I’m the Chunk family’s prince. How could I not?”
Chris adjusted his glasses. “All the women you’ve had before could be bought with money. That’s the easiest mode. The kind you’re after now–money won’t work. She has sky–high standards for men. And besides money, you’ve got nothing. Chasing her is hell mode. Spare yourself.”
Kevin’s teeth ground together. “If even I can’t get her, then nobody else can.”
Chris said calmly, “Of course someone can. Just not you.”
Kevin fumed. “You think I’ll lose to other men?”
Chris said nothing.
Kevin stared at that stone face of his, nearly exploding. If not for his father, he would’ve fired Chris on the
spot.
The children’s piano competition officially opened on the first day. Estella arrived at the judges‘ lounge two hours early.
The makeup artist prioritized the other two female judges first, based on their seniority.
Seeing they were taking their time, Estella figured they wouldn’t leave her any, so she pulled out her own kit and quickly did a light touch–up herself.
She was already striking. With just a little makeup, her beauty stood out even more.
The two female judges sneaked glances at her, then urged the artist to make their looks more polished.
The artist nodded politely, though inside he thought, Makeup only adds polish. If someone isn’t born with it, there’s no way he could paint them into a goddess.
The competition began, with a professional filming crew and even a livestream.
This event had run for years, well–followed by Javerton locals. Many tuned in, especially families and relatives of the contestants, filling the live chat with encouragement.
When the camera landed on Estella, comments popped up right away. Some viewers thought she was far too young to be on the judges‘ panel–was she just some connection?
Others recognized her, saying she used to play in Chase’s prestigious orchestra.
That sparked doubt too: if she’d been good enough for Chase’s group, why had she suddenly left? Was it because she wasn’t that talented after all?
The chapter closes on a note of tension and determination, with Kevin grappling with the harsh reality of his situation and Estella quietly asserting her presence in the competitive world of music. Kevin’s pride has been wounded, yet his resolve to prove himself remains unbroken, highlighting his inner conflict between vulnerability and stubborn ambition. Meanwhile, Estella’s poised entrance as a judge, despite whispers and doubts about her past, underscores her quiet strength and the respect she commands, even in the face of skepticism.
Together, their parallel journeys reflect themes of pride, resilience, and the pursuit of genuine worth beyond superficial appearances. Both characters face judgments—Kevin from others and himself, Estella from the public eye—but each is poised to confront these challenges in their own way. The emotional undercurrents hint at a deeper story of self-discovery and the complex dance of power and vulnerability that defines their intertwined paths.
The tension between Kevin and Estella is far from over, and the next chapter promises to delve deeper into their complicated dynamic. Kevin’s bruised pride and fierce determination to prove himself will likely drive him into new, possibly desperate actions, while Estella’s sharp words hint at unresolved issues and hidden motivations that may soon surface. The piano competition, set against this charged backdrop, isn’t just about music—it’s a stage where personal battles and ambitions will play out in unexpected ways.
Estella’s presence as a young, striking judge already stirs whispers and doubts among the audience, suggesting that her past and reasons for leaving the prestigious orchestra might soon be unveiled. As the competition unfolds, emotions will run high, and the characters’ true colors will start to show. Expect moments of vulnerability, rivalry, and perhaps surprising alliances, all set to the rhythm of the piano keys that echo more than just melodies—they carry the weight of dreams, pride, and unresolved conflicts.
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.