Chapter 121

Aria's POV The passive-aggressive barbs made me glance up sharply. Two women I'd never seen before stood nearby, champagne flutes clutched in their perfectly manicured hands, their expressions dripping with manufactured concern. Since I didn't know them from Adam, I saw no reason for false politeness. "Not nearly as dedicated as you two, putting on this little comedy show at such a distinguished event," I replied coolly, my voice cutting through their pretense like a blade. "You—!" One woman immediately bristled, her carefully constructed mask slipping at my swift retort. The other maintained her composure, though her smile grew increasingly strained. "Miss Jones, my third-grade niece happens to need a piano instructor. You must have plenty of free time these days, right? I mean, your skill level seems perfectly suited for teaching elementary students." She paused with theatrical flair, placing a hand over her heart. "I mean absolutely no offense, of course. I simply admire your... tal