《Royal Rivalry 》全部章節：第 71 章 - 第 80 章

Rowan’s POV The piano keys felt colder than usual beneath my fingers, or maybe it was just me.As I pressed down on a note, the sound lingered in the air longer than it should have. It stretched across the room, delicate and fragile, like it could snap if I touched another key instantly. I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to focus because that was the reason I was there in the first place. The music room had become my escape room because there were no guards hovering closely, no whispers trailing behind me, no expectations pressing down on my shoulders. It was just sound, rhythm and keynotes I could control.But today, even the keys wouldn’t listen to me. I leaned back slightly on the bench, staring at the keys like they had betrayed me, when I knew I was the one betraying myself. I knew I was the reason behind the stiffness. Actually, my thoughts were. I didn't get the right rhythm because my mind wasn't there. It was with someone else. I pressed my lips together, flexing my finge

Rowan's POV The moment we stepped out through the back door of the club, I expected another secret. Maybe a hidden car or a suspicious conversation or another version of him I didn't understand. But I didn't get any of those. Instead, he dragged me down the sidewalk like he had somewhere important to be.“Theo,” I called, nearly stumbling as he pulled me through a crowd of people.The last thing I wanted was to be seen by someone who knew me. I didn't want another drama for myself, especially not the one that might be aired on the internet. Theo looked back briefly, grinning from ear to ear. Someone might think he was having the best moment of his life. “For someone who sneaks out of a palace, you worry too much.”I narrowed my eyes as I shot back instantly. “For someone who refuses to explain anything, you talk too much.”He laughed. The sound was kind of free and genuine. And for a moment, I forgot how strange tonight had been.I forgot that my driver was waiting for me on the o

Theo's POV I didn’t wait to be called this time. That was how eager I was to be done with Mr Livingston and his associate. His office was still the same. It still bore the same suffocating stillness that made it feel less like a place for conversation and more like a place where decisions were made about people… without them.I stepped in, my heart beating faster than I wanted to admit. He was seated behind the table with a tablet in hand. His posture relaxed like he had all the time in the world… Like my life wasn’t hanging in the balance of whatever he decided next.“You’re early,” he said without looking up.“I have something,” I replied immediately.That got his attention. Slowly, he lifted his eyes away from the device. “Something?”I didn’t sit. He never asked me to.I placed my phone in front of him. “See for yourself.”He didn’t touch it immediately. For a moment, he just looked at me… more like studying me. Then, finally, he picked it up.The first video of Rowan played. H

Theo's POV The phone given to me by Mr Livingston still felt unfamiliar in my hand. Whenever it rang, I hesitated. Most times, I ignored the calls. But after giving the contact number to Leonie, I picked up the moment it rang. “Hello?” I said, pressing the phone to my ear. There was a brief silence before the caller spoke. “Theo.”My entire body went still as my mother's voice filled my ear. “Mom?” The word slipped out before I could stop it.“How did you…”“How did I get this number?” she cut in calmly.“Yes.”“Leonie sent it and she told me everything.”Leonie? Why would she do that?Something in my chest tightened, but I didn’t know if it was relief or tension.Leonie had promised to help. But I didn’t realize that help included this.“Is it true?” she asked. “Is what true?” I asked, feigning ignorance. “Theo...” The way she said my name with disappointment made my stomach twist. “Don’t do that.”I closed my eyes briefly, mentally preparing myself for the conversation.

Theo's POV Mr. Livingston stood near the large window, his hands resting behind him calmly. He was busy watching the city below like he owned everything in it. “I’m here,” I said, announcing my presence. “Welcome,” he said without looking away from the window. I didn't say anything, and he didn't turn until a few minutes passed. When he finally faced me, his sharp eyes scanned me briefly before gesturing toward the chair in front of his desk.“Sit.”I sat, obeying automatically. I almost laughed at myself for that. I couldn't believe I had become someone who followed instructions easily. Taking his time, Mr. Livingston walked toward the desk and placed a small black box in front of me.“Your new phone,” he said. I stared at the box for a second before opening it. Inside was a sleek silver phone, thinner and more expensive than the last one.“You guys work really fast,” I muttered.“We prefer efficiency.”Carefully, I picked up the phone, checking it out. It was already set up,