Chapter 195
“Even if it’s those prestigious universities overseas, should you desire it, securing a spot for a year or so to get a diploma would be a piece of cake. Our Music Association has very lenient terms. We won’t interfere with your gigs or endorsements, nor will we meddle in your personal affairs. All we ask is that you occasionally drop by to give a lecture to our members when you have the time.”
Peggie’s words felt like a sharp slap to Deanna. She had just finished mocking Stella’s lack of formal education when Peggie approached Stella, heaping praise on her.
Deanna’s face flushed as she couldn’t help but sneer. “Has the Music Association really dropped its standards so low? Letting just anyone in, and for a high school dropout, no less?”
Peggie, well aware of the recent spat, was too eager to recruit talent to care about Deanna’s scorn. “What good is pride when compared to talent like Ms. Cameron’s? I’d gladly kneel if it meant having Ms. Cameron join us. But as for you, Deanna…”
Peggie turned to Deanna with a knowing smile. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re Ms. Cameron’s mother-in-law, aren’t you? Ms. Cameron is such a credit to you, yet you don’t seem pleased. Oh, I get it now…”
Peggie’s face brightened with feigned realization, her words sharply cutting through the air. “You’re upset that Ms. Cameron didn’t compete on behalf of your family, aren’t you?”
On her way here, Peggie had pieced together what had happened from the chatter around her. It’s human nature to flatter the powerful and belittle the weak, she thought. It’s hard to watch others succeed when you can’t. Admitting someone else’s excellence-why is that so difficult?
Deanna was so incensed that she was at a loss for words. Stella glanced at Deanna and then turned to Peggie. “Thank you for the invitation, Ms. Smith. I’ll definitely consider it.”
Peggie beamed brightly. “Ms. Cameron, you’re welcome anytime. Just give me a call before you come.”
She eagerly handed over her business card. Stella accepted it, then turned to Abby, saying, “It’s getting late. We should be heading out.”
Abby grinned. “Mr. Connolly, since Star and Marvin snagged first place, you owe us a feast to celebrate!”
Neville’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Not a problem at all. Order whatever you like.”
The group walked away, laughing and talking among themselves. Jasper watched Stella’s departing figure with a fierce gaze. “Stella, I’ll remember this. One day, I’ll repay this debt with interest,” he vowed silently.
Meanwhile, neither Jasper nor Stella knew that due to Jasper’s live stream, a storm was brewing online. The abrupt end of the stream only fueled the mystery surrounding Stella, making people even more curious about her.
Within hours, Stella’s performance video had shot to the top of the trending list, with countless people asking who this talented and beautiful young woman was. The more Stella stayed out of the spotlight, the more fervent the online discussions about her became.
Even Rachel was taken aback when she received a call from a highly respected violin maestro. “Ms. Pearce, there’s a new violinist online who’s outshining even you. Her popularity is soaring, even surpassing yours, and she’s making an international impact!”