He was just testing her limits.


    If she gave even an inch, Haynes would push further, pressing her from every side.


    Ste didn''t waste another word. She reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of sheet music along with a small portable yer.


    "These are my originalpositions," she said, cing them on the table. "Ms. Pearce, Mr. O''Brien, you can take a look and decide if you want to ept my offer."


    Rachel took the sheets and leafed through them with practiced eyes.


    It only took her a moment to nce up and meet Ste''s gaze.


    Rachel had studied music herself and wasn''t half bad at it either.


    She could tell, without question, whether the pieces were any good.


    Ste went on, "I''m not going to use Star to stir up publicity for anyone— especially not with Ms. Pearce''s current reputation. That''s simply out of the question.


    To be honest, Mr. O''Brien, whatever price you''re offering, I could easily earn that much down the road. It''s not exactly tempting."


    She paused, then continued, "Of course, if you can offer me a number that''s so high it''d be worth ruining my name for the rest of my life, maybe I''d consider it. But by my calctions, that price would have to be at least nine figures." Nine figures. No one in their right mind would agree to that.


    Not Haynes, not even Jasper. Who would spend a hundred million just to secure


    an exclusiveposer for someone they cared about?


    Even if he had that kind of money, he wouldn''t spend it that way.


    Ste added, "Ms. Pearce, if you like any of these pieces, you can pick one.


    But if you insist on using Star''s name to drum up hype, I''m sorry-even if Mr. O''Brien threatened me, I wouldn''t agree."


    Haynes nced at her, then pressed y on the portable device.


    A beautiful violin melody floated out, filling the office with its haunting notes.


    In an instant, the room fell silent.


    Even Lacey and Benson-who knew nothing about music-found themselves drawn in, quietly captivated by the sound.


    No one knew how long the music yed, but eventually, every piece had been heard.


    Haynes''s expression was inscrutable, handsome features giving nothing away. He turned to Rachel. "Rachel, what do you think?"


    Rachel hesitated for a moment before answering. "Ms. Cameron''s music is truly impressive.


    But what I really need isn''t just a talentedposer-I need someone whose name will boost my profile and create a buzz."


    Ste replied, "Honestly, given your situation, Ms. Pearce, thest thing you need is more publicity.


    Even with Star''s reputation behind you, the public still won''t ept you."


    Jasper finally lost hisposure, his eyes shing with anger.


    “Ste, you keep making digs at Rachel''s reputation—what exactly are you trying to say?"


    Ste''s tone and expression remained utterly calm, free from any personal emotion.


    "I''m just stating the facts. I have to make a living, too. Who wouldn''t want to earn more if they could?


    Besides, Mr. Wilkinson, do you really think, with Ms. Pearce''s current standing, she could even afford to hire Star?


    Or would you rather the rumor mill start churning out stories about Ms. Pearce having a secret sponsor?


    Or perhaps" Ste''s eyes flickered


    her


    tones, her smile a inel


    "You n on making


    divorce public?"


    It was one thing for people in the industry to know about her divorce from Haynes.


    But for the general public to find out that was an entirely different matter.


    Haynes had kept quiet about their separation, not for Keen''s sake, but to keep O''Brien Group''s stock from fluctuating and giving rivals an opportunity.


    Haynes''s dark eyes lingered on her, deep and unreadable.


    "You''re good at convincing people," he said quietly.


    Ste smiled, her lips curling up. "It''s not me you should be convinced by. It''s the facts."


    Haynes thought for a moment, then nodded slightly.


    "I can agree to your terms-but you''ll need to provide Rachel with at least three original songs."


    Ste didn''t so much as flinch. "That''s eptable."


    Rachel and Jasper''s faces changed at once, both speaking up at the same time. "Haynie!"


    Haynes''s tone was cool. "She''s right. Rachel, you''ve had more than


    enough attentiontely. It''s "ght.


    right time to be in the spot