The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 480

Stella glanced at the tear-streaked face of the pianist, then looked in the direction Haynes had walked off, a bitter smirk curling at the edge of her lips.

Someone had been dismissed on a whim, over a baseless accusation, with no regard for all the work she'd put in. Just like that-gone. A textbook scare tactic, she mused. A warning for the rest of them.

If that poor pianist was the sacrificial lamb, then Stella supposed she was next in line.

Not long after, her phone buzzed. It was Jasper, summoning her to discuss the performance arrangements.

The venue was nothing short of palatial, with Haynes sparing no expense to secure it for Rachel. The opulence inside was almost expected, but even the grounds were breathtaking. In the back garden, a natural lake shimmered in the afternoon light, and the air was laced with the gentle perfume of blooming flowers. Stella found Rachel and Haynes standing together on a small bridge, taking in the distant scenery. Rachel gestured toward the water, chatting animatedly.

dripped with sarcasm. "Well, look who finally graced us with her presence-Ms. Cameron, the star, too dignified to ask for a chance,

just saw Ms. Pearce get hurt. For

serious. I could keep rehearsing without a problem. Haynes is just making a fuss

Rachel might as well have said, "See how much Haynes

knee. There was a faint bruise—no blood, nothing alarming. For a performer minor injuries were part of the job. But Haynes had still replaced the pianist at the drop of a hat, just for Rachel. That

dramas. She turned to Rachel.

Rachel's arrangements were thoughtful-she'd included both solo and ensemble pieces, and paired Stella up with other musicians rather than forcing the two of them

skimmed the list and handed

nodded, then asked, "Ms. Cameron, did you bring the sheet music

"You can pick three pieces from