The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 447

He was just testing her limits.

If she gave even an inch, Haynes would push further, pressing her from every side.

Stella didn't waste another word. She reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of sheet music along with a small portable player.

"These are my original compositions," she said, placing them on the table. "Ms. Pearce, Mr. O'Brien, you can take a look and decide if you want to accept my offer."

Rachel took the sheets and leafed through them with practiced eyes.

It only took her a moment to glance up and meet Stella's gaze.

Rachel had studied music herself and wasn't half bad at it either.

She could tell, without question, whether the pieces were any good.

Stella went on, "I'm not going to use Star to stir up publicity for anyone— especially not with Ms. Pearce's current reputation. That's simply out of the question.

To be honest, Mr. O'Brien, whatever price you're offering, I could easily earn that much down the road. It's not exactly tempting."

She paused, then continued, "Of course, if you can offer me a number that's so high it'd be worth ruining my name for the rest of my life, maybe I'd consider it. But by my calculations, that price would have to be at least nine figures." Nine figures. No one in their right mind would agree to that.

Not Haynes, not even Jasper. Who would spend a hundred million just to secure

an exclusive composer for someone they cared about?

had that kind of money, he wouldn't

added, "Ms. Pearce, if you like any of

insist on using Star's name to drum up hype, I'm

then pressed play

melody floated out, filling the office

an instant, the room fell

knew nothing about music-found themselves drawn in,

played, but eventually, every piece had been

expression was inscrutable, handsome features giving nothing away. He turned to Rachel.

moment before answering. "Ms. Cameron's music

isn't just a talented composer-I need someone

situation, Ms. Pearce, the last thing

you, the public still won't accept

composure, his eyes

keep making digs at Rachel's reputation—what exactly

remained utterly

stating the facts. I have to make a living, too. Who wouldn't want to

do you really think, with Ms. Pearce's

mill start churning

perhaps" Stella's eyes

her

her smile a

"You plan on making