Chapter 174
Everyone turned their gaze toward Stella.
Jasper’s face twisted in disbelief. “Stella, are you seriously standing up to Rachel? Even the top violinists in the industry wouldn’t dare speak to her like that. You’ve really got some nerve!”
Stella’s expression remained unshaken, her voice light as a summer breeze. “Funny-I’ve yet to meet a violinist who could outplay me.”
Jasper froze mid-breath-then erupted into exaggerated laughter, his arms flailing like a windmill in a storm.
“Never lost to anyone on the violin? Haha! Where do you get the guts to boast like that in front of Rachel? Did you get your courage from a magical genie?”
The room erupted into laughter at the scene before them. Stella’s words, rather than coming off as arrogant, seemed like the punchline to a good joke.
The usually stern Deanna even cracked a smile. Haynes and Keen remained silent. Though Keen was still quite young, he could sense the awkwardness in the room, feeling as if he’d been put on the spot.
Haynes furrowed his brow. “Stella, stop with the banter. Go get ready. I’ll have my assistant bring you some clothes.”
Stella refused coolly, “No need. I’ve already said, I want the dress Rachel’s wearing.”
Jasper scoffed, “Oh, come on. Can’t you see Haynie is trying to help you out here?”
Rachel chimed in with a chuckle, “Alright, Ms. Cameron, I won’t take your words to heart. Let’s just say you were joking.”
Stella didn’t budge, “Who’s joking with you? We’re not close.”
Jasper snapped, “Stella, don’t be so ungrateful!”
Stella shot back icily, “If I had more dignity, I’d donate it. I don’t need yours.”
Haynes spoke gravely, “Stella, I know Rachel’s talent better than you. Stop this nonsense.”
The judges, who had been finalizing the competition draw, now approached with matching frowns.
“What’s happening here? Why all the noise?” inquired one of the judges.
Before the person handling the draw could respond, a surprised exclamation came from among the judges. A woman in her forties, wearing glasses, excitedly approached Rachel.
“Excuse me, are you Ms. Rachel?”
Rachel paused momentarily, the replied, “Yes, I am Rachel. And you are?”
“Ms. Pearce, hello, I’m Peggie Smith from the Neo-Vespera Music Association, invited to be a judge today.”
“I’ve seen your performance videos online before, and when I saw you here, I thought my eyes were deceiving me. But it really is you, Ms. Pearce!”
Rachel offered a friendly smile, “Nice to meet you, Ms. Smith.”
Peggie quickly waved her hands, “Oh no, no, in front of Ms. Pearce, I wouldn’t dare call myself a judge.”
Remembering something, Peggie added, “By the way, our association sent you an invitation to a music concert recently. Did you receive it?”
Rachel apologized, “I’m sorry, I’ve been busy preparing for my own concert, so I might not be able to attend…”
Before Rachel could respond, Peggie cut in with eager enthusiasm, “Oh, absolutely! A virtuoso like Ms. Pearce must be swamped-we’d be honored if you could spare even an hour for our little music society. Whenever suits you, of course!”
Rachel nodded politely, “Sure, I’ll visit when I have some time.”
Peggie said, “Ms. Pearce, could you wait for just a minute?”