The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 186

"If I'd known Haynes would end up marrying Stella, that airhead who hasn't even finished high school, I would've just let him be with Rachel," Deanna sighed, shaking her head.

Jasper leaned forward, his grin all teeth. "Oh, this I've got to see. Stella's humiliation? That'll be the performance of the evening."

Rachel needed some time to get ready, with a new shower and makeup. They originally planned for her to be the grand finale, giving her plenty of time to prepare.

But then Jasper had a revelation.

If Rachel was the finale, that meant Stella would have to perform before her. Although Stella couldn't possibly outshine Rachel, Jasper thought it was crucial for Stella to witness the vast chasm between them.

He wanted Stella to be so embarrassed that she'd never dare challenge Rachel again.

If Rachel performed before Stella, she'd captivate the judges and the audience entirely. By the time Stella got on stage, people would still be mesmerized by Rachel's performance, barely paying attention to hers.

Stella would be nothing more than a footnote, a mere background shadow. It was perfect!

with Rachel, she was

...

were already worn

rubbing their temples, stifling

little kids in the audience were nodding off from sitting too long. Quite a few people had already left the auditorium

then, the soothing and enchanting notes flowed from Rachel's fingertips, and everyone suddenly perked

like lively spirits. Rachel's fingers seemed to possess a life

spotlight above bathed Rachel in a gentle glow. The violin

notes poured from this violin, flowing like a gentle stream,

but exclaim. "This violin is way better than

was momentarily entranced by Rachel's performance. He turned to Abby, curiosity

the top ten famous violins," he said. "Are you telling me Rachel's unremarkable violin

for its exceptional musical qualities, sure. But it's not the ultimate violin because of its performance—it's the legacy and meaning bestowed upon it by its