The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 175

Everyone turned their gaze toward Stella.

Jasper's face twisted in disbelief. "Stella, are you seriously standing up to Rachel? Even the top violinists in the industry wouldn't dare speak to her like that. You've really got some nerve!"

Stella's expression remained unshaken, her voice light as a summer breeze. "Funny-I've yet to meet a violinist who could outplay me."

Jasper froze mid-breath-then erupted into exaggerated laughter, his arms flailing like a windmill in a storm.

"Never lost to anyone on the violin? Haha! Where do you get the guts to boast like that in front of Rachel? Did you get your courage from a magical genie?"

The room erupted into laughter at the scene before them. Stella's words, rather than coming off as arrogant, seemed like the punchline to a good joke.

The usually stern Deanna even cracked a smile. Haynes and Keen remained silent. Though Keen was still quite young, he could sense the awkwardness in the room, feeling as if he'd been put on the spot.

Haynes furrowed his brow. "Stella, stop with the banter. Go get ready. I'll have my assistant bring you some clothes."

need. I've already said, I want

see Haynie is trying to

Cameron, I won't take your words to heart. Let's just say

budge, "Who's joking with you? We're not

snapped, "Stella, don't

had more dignity, I'd

"Stella, I know Rachel's talent better

been finalizing the

here? Why all the noise?"

the person handling the draw could respond, a surprised exclamation came from among the judges. A woman in her forties, wearing glasses, excitedly

me, are

the replied, "Yes, I

the Neo-Vespera Music Association, invited to

seen your performance videos online before, and when I saw you here, I thought my eyes were deceiving me. But it really is you,