"Rachel."


    On the other end of the line, a man''s voice came through-clear, smooth, and almost melodic.


    “I hear things haven''t been going so well for youtely."


    Rachel''s breath hitched. "I''m... I''m doing okay, I guess."


    He chuckled softly. "Sounds like you''ve been taking quite a beating from Ste.”


    The mention of Ste made Rachel grit her teeth in frustration.


    When she fell silent, he spoke again. "Rachel, do you need my help?"


    Instinctively, Rachel replied, "No, not yet. I can still handle it myself."


    His tone lifted slightly,ced with a hint of amusement. "Oh? Are you sure you can handle it?"


    "I... I really can."


    His voice took on a velvety, almost haunting edge. "But as far as I know, there''s a recording of you on Ste''s phone. Tell me, if Haynes were to hear it, would he still treat you the same way? Or if your fans ever got wind of it-would they still adore you? Your concert''sing up. If the public hears that audio, do you think anyone will still buy your tickets?"


    Rachel''s breathing grew ragged. The moment Ste pulled out her phone, she''d suspected there might be a recording. Maybe Ste was bluffing. But she couldn''t take that risk.


    The consequences of losing that gamble were more than she could bear.


    Looking back, she was d she hadn''t tried to call Ste''s bluff. Otherwise, she would''ve been exposed on the spot.


    She had to find a way to deal with the recording-no matter what.


    She couldn''t go to Haynes. Right now, the only person who could help her was Jasper...


    As if reading her mind, the man on the phone let out a softugh. "Rachel, don''t tell me you''re actually thinking of asking Jasper for help. Are you sure he''s on your side, and not secretly helping Ste instead?"


    Rachel said nothing.


    Jasper''s loyalty had never been in question, but his ipetence was another story. He could be so hopelessly na?ve, it made her want to bang her head against the wall.


    But for some things, she really had no one else to turn to.


    The man changed tack, his tone more reassuring. "Rx. The incriminating recording? I''ve already had it deleted. Ste won''t be able to threaten you with it anymore. It got lost in Neville''s hands-maybe we can even stir up a little trouble between them."


    Rachel couldn''t help but let out a deep breath. "...Thank you, Joshua Gardner."


    Compared to Jasper, Joshua Gardner operated on apletely different level.


    There was a pause, then he said with a hint of nostalgia, "It''s been a long time since I''ve heard you say my name."


    Rachel''s hand curled into a tight fist.


    Joshua Gardner went on, "Rachel, I genuinely want to help you-no strings attached. Why would you rather go to someone like Jasper thane to me?"


    Rachel''s voice was barely above a whisper. "You''ve already helped me so much. I... I don''t have anything to give back. I don''t want to owe you any more favors, So..."


    "Rachel." Joshua''s voice was gentle,


    almost affectionate, but for some reason, it sent a chill down Rachel''s spine. "Kd never force you to do anything you don''t want to. As for owing me...pared to the fact you once saved my life, this is nothing. If you really want to repay me, just y a few violin pieces for me every now and then when you have the time. That''s more than enough."


    Rachel held her breath. "...Alright."


    Joshua said, "I''ll be heading to Neo-Vespera at the end of the month. I''ll drop by


    to see you-and to see the man you''re so taken with. I''d also like to meet the woman who dared to cross our Rachel."


    Rachel wanted to protest, but the moment he mentioned Ste, all her objections died in her throat.


    She knew exactly what Joshua Gardner was capable of. If he decided to go after Ste, she wouldn''t stand a chance.