Ste said, "With Rachel''s so-called terminal illness and her relentless effort, it''s hard for anyone with a heart not to be moved by her."


    Abby frowned. "But she''s faking it!"


    Ste''s tone was calm. "But Mr. Walden doesn''t know that."


    Abby, still indignant, snapped, "Then he''s just a clueless old man who can''t tell right from wrong. He actually thinks Rachel is better than you? Just wait, he''s going to regret it one day!"


    "Star, we have to make this concert a hit. Let''s show Rachel and Mr. Walden what we''re made of!"


    Ste had already cooled down from her initial anger and frustration. "Maybe it''s for the best. It just proves that Mr. Walden and we aren''t on the same wavelength. He may be one of the world''s top maestros, but that doesn''t mean he''s right for us."


    Abby nodded. "Star, you don''t need to study under anyone. You''re notcking in talent or guidance-what you really need is just a chance."


    Ste smiled. "Still, I have to thank Noah for helping out this time-giving me the invitation and introducing me to Mr. Walden."


    Abby grinned. "Noah, huh? He''s obviously interested in you. Maybe you should give him a shot?"


    She winked yfully at Ste. “Even if you''re not ready for marriage, what''s the harm in a little romance?"


    Ste shook her head,ughing. "I''m not thinking about rtionships right now. I just want to focus on my career."


    Abby had only been teasing her anyway, so she let it drop.


    Looking around the studio she''d decorated herself, Abby sighed with regret. "Is there really no way to save our studio?"


    Ste replied, "Whether we can or not, let''s prepare for the worst. If Rachel does manage to take it from us, we''ll be left with nowhere to rehearse, and that could ruin the whole concert. Besides, with Haynes getting involved, I''m afraid—”


    She didn''t get to finish. There was a knock at the door.


    Because the studio was full of paint fumes, the door was left open. In walked a man in an impably tailored suit, his stride confident and elegant.


    "This is the ce?" He turned to Benson, who followed behind.


    Benson smiled. "Yes, this is thest location we traced them to."


    Haynes nodded and strode in, guided by Benson.


    Ste had her back to the door, oblivious to themotion behind her.


    She said to Abby, "Let''s have Candida Fletcher start working tomorrow. The other two floors are still up and running, so she can get used to the concert scores. By the way, the venue for the concert-did you get it booked?"


    Abby


    been signed for ages. Don''t you The contract''s O handle things?"


    me


    Before Ste could respond, she noticed Abby''s expression suddenly change.


    "Abby? What''s wrong?"


    Abby stared straight ahead, silent.


    Puzzled, Ste turned to look.


    A strikingly handsome, cold-faced man was standing in the doorway.


    "Haynes?” Ste''s face immediately hardened. "What are you doing here?" Haynes didn''t answer. Instead, he nced at Benson.


    Benson''s gaze lingered on Abby and Ste for a moment before he nodded, signaling confirmation.


    For some time now, Benson had been quietly investigating everything about Star.


    His first lead had been Abby, who''d


    been in frequent contact with Abby''s social circle wasn''t


    yel<pplicated, so it hadn''t been hard to find out what he needed.