Ste nced at the tear-streaked face of the pianist, then looked in the direction Haynes had walked off, a bitter smirk curling at the edge of her lips.


    Someone had been dismissed on a whim, over a baseless usation, with no regard for all the work she''d put in. Just like that-gone. A textbook scare tactic, she mused. A warning for the rest of them.


    If that poor pianist was the sacrificialmb, then Ste supposed she was next in line.


    Not long after, her phone buzzed. It was Jasper, summoning her to discuss the performance arrangements.


    The venue was nothing short of ptial, with Haynes sparing no expense to secure it for Rachel. The opulence inside was almost expected, but even the grounds were breathtaking. In the back garden, a naturalke shimmered in the afternoon light, and the air wasced with the gentle perfume of blooming flowers. Ste found Rachel and Haynes standing together on a small bridge, taking in the distant scenery. Rachel gestured toward the water, chatting animatedly.


    Jasper spotted Ste first. His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Well, look who finally graced us with her presence-Ms. Cameron, the star, too dignified to ask for a chance, just waiting for everyone else to beg her to perform."


    Ste shot him a cool nce. "I just saw Ms. Pearce get hurt. For a moment, I thought today''s rehearsal might be canceled."


    Rachel turned around with a practiced smile. "It''s just a bump on the knee, nothing serious. I could keep rehearsing without a problem. Haynes is just making a fuss over nothing."


    Ste heard the message loud and clear. Rachel might as well have said, "See how much Haynes cares about me?"


    Her gaze flicked to Rachel''s knee. There was a faint bruise—no blood, nothing rming. For a performer minor injuries were part of the job. But Haynes had still reced the pianist at the drop of a hat, just for Rachel. That kind of favoritism was rare-and unmistakable.


    Ste had no interest in meddling with other people''s dramas. She turned to Rachel. "So, Ms. Pearce, would you prefer me to solo, or join the ensemble?"


    Rachel handed her a neatly prepared program list. "You can take a look, Ms. Cameron. If there''s anything you''re unhappy with, we can still make changes." Rachel''s arrangements were thoughtful-she''d included both solo and ensemble pieces, and paired Ste up with other musicians rather than forcing the two of them to perform together. A tactful move, all things considered.


    Ste skimmed the list and handed it back. "Looks good to me."


    Rachel nodded, then asked, "Ms. Cameron, did you bring the sheet music you promised mest time?"


    Ste reached into her bag and produced her originalpositions. "You can pick three pieces from these. Just list ''Ste'' as theposer."


    They''d already agreed on the details, so there was nothing to argue about. With Haynes standing there, Rachel yed her part perfectly. "That sounds great."


    The two women began to discuss the music, Rachel tossing out a few technical questions-clearly trying to trip Ste up. But Ste fielded every one with ease, even countering with a few sharp questions of her own, leaving Rachel momentarily speechless.


    Rachel could only give up on trying to make things difficult.


    All the while, Haynes''s gaze never left Ste. He''d never seen her like this beforepletely absorbed in her work, a different kind of intensity a from the dazzling presence she had on stage. He''d always knownshe was beautiful, but maybe he''d grown numb to it over time, or maybe he''d never truly appreciated her talent.


    But now, watching her in her element, he couldn''t help but feel she was even more striking than before.