Abby didn''t hold anything back from Ste. She recounted everything that had happened, detail for detail.


    She said, "Sure, Harry''s made a lot of enemies, but honestly, this whole thing feels a little too convenient. And... with Joshua''s skills, pulling something like this off wouldn''t even be that much of a stretch."


    The more Abby got to know Joshua, the more she realized how unfathomable he was. He seemed good at just about everything, as if there was nothing he couldn''t master. If someone told her outright Joshua was behind it all, she wouldn''t be the least bit surprised.


    Ste''s eyes narrowed slightly at Abby''s words. She set down her cup and replied coolly, "Harry''s destroyed the careers of so many brilliant young violinists. In the end, he got what he deserved. I''m sure there are plenty more people celebrating than mourning him."


    Abby blinked, taken aback by Ste''s frankness. "Don''t you think Joshua was a bit ruthless?" she asked. Truthfully, Abby herself didn''t mind; it just wasn''t in her nature to be bothered by such things. But Ste, with her gentle heart, always struck Abby as someone easily moved topassion-she was curious what Ste really thought of Joshua now.


    "If it really was Joshua," Ste said, "then he did everyone a favor. He rid the music world of a menace. That''s something good in my book. I''m a goodwill ambassador—too many eyes on me to get involved in things like this personally." She paused, then smiled. "Harry was talented, sure, but without him around, more gifted musicians will finally get their chance. And who knows? Maybe they''ll achieve even more than Harry ever did. I''ve always believed that tough rivals shouldn''t be crushed-they should motivate us to be better. As long as you''re strong enough, why fear new talent? And if, someday, someone truly exceptionales along-someone no one can ever surpass-well, maybe that just means our era hase to an end."


    Abby stared at Ste, a little stunned. "Star, you''ve really changed."


    Ste looked at her. "Do you think it''s for better or worse?"


    Abby thought for a moment. "Better. You used to be too kind, too soft-hearted. That''s how Rachel managed to walk all over you. Now, at least, no one will push you around so easily."


    "I think so too," Ste replied. "I like myself better now."


    Lost in conversation, neither of them noticed the tall, slender figure standing quietly outside the door. Joshua lingered in the shadows, his face unreadable. After a moment, instead ofing in, he turned and slipped away without a sound.


    Suddenly, Abby remembered something. "Oh-Neville Connolly heard you beat Harry. He barely slept for three days straight, working nonstop to wrap things up abroad. He''s flying in this afternoon and wants to take us out to dinner tonight."


    Ste thought it over for a second, then nodded in agreement.


    Abby''s lips curled into a teasing smile. "Star, Neville''s got his feelings written all


    over his face. And Marvin Connolly absolutely adores you, too. So... what do you think? Ever considered Neville?"


    "Neville?" Ste looked surprised.


    Abby grinned. "Come on, we all know each other so well. Calling him ''Mr. Connolly just sounds stiff. Last time I saw him, I asked if I could call him Neville and he agreed without a second thought. Star, Neville is handsome, sessful, and let''s be real—he''s got his act together. No drama, no messy love life."


    She nced around, then lowered her voice conspiratorially.