Chapter 166
Rachel’s eyes widened in panic as she hurriedly pulled a tissue from her purse.
“Ms. Cameron, I’m so sorry… let me clean that up for you.”
But the more Rachel dabbed at the coffee stain, the larger and more noticeable it became.
Stella grasped Rachel’s hand firmly, stopping her frantic attempts, and pushed her away.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
Rachel stumbled backward, landing on the plush carpet with a startled yelp. “Ouch!”
The commotion drew everyone’s attention, all eyes turning toward the unfolding
scene.
Rachel sat curled on the plush carpet, her tear-filled gaze lifting to Stella’s. “I—I never meant for this to happen,” she whispered, fingers clutching the ruined fabric. “Please believe me, Ms. Cameron.”
Stella glanced at the stain on her dress, a smirk playing on her lips. “Sure, you didn’t mean it. You did it on purpose!”
“Ms. Cameron, you’ve got it all wrong. I was just trying to hand you your coffee…” Rachel sniffled, her head bowed. “I know, Ms. Cameron, you’ve never liked me. You don’t want me around Keen for the competition. But…”
She looked up at Stella, pleading earnestly. “This competition matters for Keen’s final grade. Ms. Cameron, please, think of Keen, won’t you?”
This again. Stella was beyond tired of these antics.
Stella’s voice was icy. “What does you spilling coffee on my dress have to do with Keen? Rachel, your attempts to change the subject and justify your actions are pathetic.”
Just then, the teacher in charge of the draw approached them.
“Is everything alright? What happened here?”
Stella replied curtly, “This lady spilled coffee on my dress, and now I can’t perform.”
The teacher glanced at Stella’s dress, noting the large coffee stain, and sighed, seeing no easy fix.
“Do you have a spare dress with you?” the teacher asked.
Stella shook her head.
The teacher sighed again, “That’s going to be a problem.”
Every ensemble was a custom masterpiece-irreplaceable on short notice without jeopardizing the competition. One missing piece could unravel months of preparation.
Rachel’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile.
Stella suddenly turned to Rachel. “Since Ms. Pearce has made a mess of my dress, I think it’s only fair she takes responsibility.”
Rachel quickly offered, “How much for the dress, Ms. Cameron? I’ll pay for it.”
After all, she thought, Haynie would cover it anyway. Whatever the cost, it’d be paid.
Stella smiled faintly, her gaze drifting to Rachel’s dress.
“No need for money, Ms. Pearce. How about you lend me your white dress instead? That way, we’re both happy.”
Rachel stiffened, instinctively protesting, “If I give you my dress, what will I wear for the performance?”
Stella responded, “And what am I supposed to do about my performance, now that you’ve ruined my dress?”
Rachel was at a loss for words, finally finding her voice after a pause.
“Ms. Cameron, I’ve explained, it wasn’t intentional…”
Stella interrupted, “Plenty of people don’t intend to cause accidents, yet they still have to face the consequences. Ms. Pearce, you’re an adult. Whether it was intentional or not, you need to take responsibility for your actions.”
Rachel’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, continuing her plea.
“It’s not that I don’t want to hand over my dress, it’s just that this competition means so much for Keen. He is your son, after all. Would you want to see him disappointed if he doesn’t place well?”
Stella’s gaze remained icy. “This competition is important for Keen, but it’s just as important for the other kids, too.”