He suddenly realized that he hadn''t really done anything for Ste.


    Haynes''s gaze flickered just for a second as he met Ste''s sarcasmced stare. His voice lowered, rough with something unreadable. "You''ve got it wrong. I''m just trying to help you."


    "Don''t dress up paving the way for Rachel as something noble," Ste replied, her tone sharp. "If you really wanted to help me, you wouldn''t have stood by while they ndered me. And you certainly wouldn''t be standing here now."


    "Ste," Haynes said, "don''t be so impulsive. Rachel''s skills aren''t as simple as you think. Today''s bet, you can''t win it. The only way out is to notpete. If you don''t step onto the stage, you won''t lose. Unless you want Keen to learn exactly how far his mother has fallen. As for that ne, if you just lend your violin to Rachel, she''ll return it to you. Once her concert is over, the Nocturne Ste will be back in your hands. If you agree, I''ll handle everything else. Trust me, Rachel won''t make things difficult for you."


    Ste couldn''t help but p lightly, her smileced with sarcasm. "Wow, Mr. O''Brien, it''s rare to see you so considerate of me. I''m truly ttered."


    Despite her words, there wasn''t a trace of gratitude in her expression. Clearly, her tone was dripping with irony.


    Haynes frowned slightly.


    Something seemed to ur to Ste, and she asked, "Oh, by the way. If I don''t agree to lend the violin, are you saying my mom''s ne won''t be returned? And you won''t help me with that favor you mentioned?"


    Haynes''s gaze was inscrutable. "I think you know how to choose wisely."


    Ste sighed, exasperated. "If you''re done, please step aside. I have apetition to attend."


    With that, she took Marvin''s hand and moved past him.


    Haynes exhaled through his nose. He hadn''t anticipated this level of defiance from Ste. "Must you always be this difficult?"


    Ste stopped dead. When she turned back, her smile was all edges. "If you truly mean to help me...make Rachel withdraw. The result would be the same as if I quit-just far less humiliating for your precious protégé." She turned to look at him, her eyes challenging. "Why should it always be me who steps aside or bows down just to keep peace? Is that your idea of fairness?"


    Haynes stood there, momentarily speechless. By the time he gathered his thoughts, Ste had already walked away.


    Backstage, Rachel was just about to take the stage.


    Marvin looked up at Ste, his face a mix of worry and resolve. "Ste, are we going to lose?"


    He''d been watching the stakes between Ste, Rachel, and Jasper unfold, silently witnessing everything as others doubted Ste.


    Because Marvin always believed that Ste would win. That she''d prove everyone wrong.


    Yet, as the performance approached, his anxiety grew.


    Ste looked down at Marvin, her eyes filled with an unwavering determination. "Marvin, don''t worry. We will win."


    Marvin''s heart, which had been filled with doubt, began to ease.


    As they spoke, the stage lights dimmed.


    Rachel''s performance began.


    A few minutester, the lights gradually brightened again. A young, beautiful woman stood in the spotlight. Her features were delicate, her presence serene. The white dress she wore lent her an air of elegance and aloofness, like a rare bloom untouched by its surroundings.


    The spotlight highlighted her carefully made-up face, making her look pristine and ethereal.


    Soon, melodious, soothing music began to flow, like a stream that could cleanse one''s soul-gentle and enchanting.