Chapter 167
“Rachel, enough. Keen isn’t your free pass.” Stella’s voice turned razor-edged. “If you actually cared, you’d show him how to own his mistakes-not teach him to
hide behind yours.”
Everyone watched the scene unfold with no sympathy for Rachel’s pitiful act. Instead, they whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with disdain.
If they put themselves in the shoes of those whose costumes were ruined, affecting their performance, they wouldn’t be happy either. So her kid’s performance matters, but the ones whose costumes she destroyed don’t? Since when do other children count less?
That half-assed ‘I didn’t mean to’ doesn’t magically fix anything. Does she really believe everyone is a saint?
Rachel, realizing that no one was jumping to her defense or condemning Stella from a moral high ground, grew flustered. What was going on? Why wasn’t anyone taking her side?
…
Meanwhile, Deanna and Callie found their way to Keen’s dressing room. Keen’s eyes lit up when he saw them enter.
“Grandma, Aunt Callie, what are you doing here?”
Callie grinned, “Isn’t today’s competition a big deal? We came to cheer you on. Make sure to snag a top spot!”
Keen proudly lifted his chin. “Rachel plays the violin really well. We’re definitely going to take first place.”
Deanna’s expression turned chilly. “Rachel again?”
Jasper, noticing the tension, greeted Deanna with a smile and offered an explanation for Rachel.
“Mrs. O’Brien, though Rachel doesn’t come from a notable background, she did graduate from Neo-Vespera University. She’s made quite a name for herself in the circle. Given time and opportunity, with her talent, she might become the next Nora.”
Back in the day, Nora was a sensation. Even though the internet wasn’t as prevalent, her name was well-known among the older generation, Deanna included. The elite loved to flaunt their refined tastes; music was a favorite among the wealthy to show off their sophistication.
Deanna, though not particularly interested, had learned some music herself to secure investments and reinforce The O’Brien Group’s status. Coincidentally, she had chosen to learn the violin.
Jasper continued, “Mrs. O’Brien, you’re aware of how many distinguished families have been invited to watch this competition. Haynie is usually tied up with work, and he’s not skilled in the arts. As for Stella…”
Jasper couldn’t hide his disdain mentioning Stella. “A talentless housewife clinging to Keen’s arm would be a humiliation the O’Briens can’t afford. I understand your concerns about Rachel, but this competition changes everything. With her pedigree beside him? Keen won’t just succeed—he’ll make every lesser family in that audience bleed envy. They’ll never catch up to us.”
Convinced, Deanna softened. “Alright, let Rachel perform well. She must not shame the O’Brien family.”
Jasper relaxed visibly, signaling an “OK” to Haynes.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. A teacher hurried in, breathless. “There’s been an incident with Ms. Pearce!”