The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 593

For a moment, the air inside the car felt thick, as if time itself had paused.

Stella's response was audacious-almost shockingly so. She hadn't spared Rachel even a passing thought.

Even Mr. Walden, who usually preferred to ignore the squabbles between his younger colleagues, couldn't help but frown. He fixed his gaze on Stella, his tone layered with meaning. "Ms. Cameron, sometimes talent and skill aren't everything. I've met many gifted musicians who, come competition day, found themselves thrown off by circumstances beyond their control and failed to perform at their best. Some, after a few setbacks, never recovered. And then there are those with less apparent talent who, thanks to a few lucky breaks, end up standing at the top."

He paused, then added, "Sometimes, luck is a part of one's ability."

Stella caught the implication. Mr. Walden was suggesting that, while Rachel might not be as talented, meeting him was just the stroke of luck she needed. Meanwhile, Stella's own abilities, impressive as they were, might not guarantee her a place above Rachel in the future.

But Stella only smiled, unruffled by his words.

"I'm not sure I agree with you there, Mr. Walden."

so directly. He

"If a few external factors can throw someone off their game, I'd say their skills or talent aren't strong enough. I won't deny that luck plays a role-but when you have true ability, luck can only take you so far. At the highest level, it's

long moment, unable to process what she'd just heard. Stella had actually said something so O brazen-right to Mr. Walden's face. Did she even realize who she was talking to? Even the most powerful families, like the Burtons and the Williamses, treated

so arrogant she didn't know which way was up. Rachel sneered inwardly.

connections might verme

the world of music Mr. Walden was still the authority.

silence, Mr. Walden finally

look forward to seeing how your

all, Ms. Cameron."

simply smiled and

had