The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 479

Never turn down a free opportunity.

After exchanging a few words with her friends and giving Abby some last-minute instructions, Stella headed toward the concert hall.

Once inside, she realized the entire event was tailored specifically for Rachel-a performance sponsored just for her. In other words, everything revolved around Rachel; everyone else was simply there to make her shine.

Stella had expected as much. After all, with The O'Brien Group and The Wilkinson Group footing the bill, it was obvious they wanted to put Rachel in the spotlight.

Just as Stella was about to look for Rachel, someone suddenly shouted, "Ms. Pearce is hurt!" Instant chaos erupted backstage.

Stella asked around for details and quickly learned that, during the final rehearsal bow, one of the female pianists had accidentally stepped on the train of Rachel's dress, causing Rachel to stumble and scrape her knee.

Jasper glared furiously at the flustered pianist. His voice was cold and biting. "You did that on purpose, didn't you? You kept messing up during rehearsal this morning, forcing Rachel to redo her parts over and over. Don't think I don't know you're targeting her-everyone knows Rachel's health isn't great!"

The pianist stared at him, flabbergasted. "That's not true! Ms. Pearce was just off her game this morning, it had nothing to do with me. She was the one insisting on perfection, that's why we kept rehearsing."

her protests. "Rachel's dedication is no excuse for you to

for her. Besides,

can see how you hover around Haynes every time he's here, shamelessly trying to get his attention right in front of Rachel. Flirting with someone else's man in

a clear, commanding

"What's going on here?"

spun around, instantly deferring like a watchdog whose owner had just arrived. He recounted the events with dramatic embellishments, painting the pianist as though she'd committed some

leg is

tried to interject. "Haynes, I'm fine... It

eyes filled

he gazed at Rachel's injured knee. "Rachel, you're too kind for your own

just happened to

If that's not

word, Haynes lifted Rachel up from the floor. His tone

pianist's eyes widened in shock, and she nearly burst into tears. "Mr. O'Brien, please-I swear it wasn't on purpose. Just give