Chapter 237

Victoria Roscente's vision darkened, her knees nearly giving way.

Too bad she hadn't mastered Sophia Evans' talent for fainting on command.

"Victoria, stop stalling." Vivian Laurent dangled the toad in front of her. "Everyone's waiting. Even your mentor is watching."

Panic finally gripped Victoria.

"I concede, Vivian!" Her voice trembled. "I was arrogant to challenge you in piano..."

She bit her lip, resentment flashing in her eyes.

"I owe you one. Whatever you need in the future—"

Vivian's laugh was icy.

"Would you have shown me mercy if I'd lost?"

She thrust the toad forward.

"Just one minute. It'll be over quickly."

Victoria's face turned ghostly pale, sweat beading on her forehead.

Suddenly, her eyes rolled back as she collapsed stiffly backward.

"Victoria fainted!" someone shrieked.

"This has gone too far, Vivian!"

Kneeling, Vivian studied the subtle tremors in Victoria's eyelids.

"I'm a doctor," she announced loudly. "General Surgery at Capital Hospital."

"What should we do now?" a bystander asked.

Vivian smirked.

"Simple. One kiss from this toad will revive her instantly."

She brought the amphibian closer to Victoria's face.

"This specimen's particularly potent."

Victoria's eyes flew open as she shoved Vivian away.

"Get away from me!"

She gagged violently.

Vivian stood, surveying the crowd.

"See? Instant cure."

Murmurs of awe rippled through the onlookers.

Vivian lifted the toad again.

"Now that you're awake, let's resume our wager."

Her gaze pinned Victoria's ashen face.

"Still up for that kiss?"