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!

idea with Rachel, she was immediately

...

in the audience were already worn out

rubbing their temples, stifling yawns, and

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

flowed from Rachel's fingertips,

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

glow. The violin at her neck shimmered like a crystal, mysterious

was a breathtaking blue violin, reminiscent of the ocean's beauty. The beautiful notes

cow!" Abby couldn't help but exclaim. "This violin is way better than Star's Nocturne Stella. And she

Rachel's

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

its exceptional musical qualities, sure. But it's not the ultimate violin because of its performance—it's the legacy