Elegant Embers: An Ex-Wife's Revenge

Chapter 814

Abby didn't hold anything back from Stella. 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.

Stella'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."

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Abby blinked, taken aback by Stella'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 Stella, with her

gentle heart, always struck Abby as someone easily moved to compassion-she was curious what Stella really

thought of Joshua now.

"If it really was Joshua," Stella 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 onto 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 becbetter. As long as you're

strong enough, why fear new talent? And if, someday, someone truly exceptional comes along-someone no one

can ever surpass-well, maybe that just means our era has cto an end."

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

Stella 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," Stella 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 of coming 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."

Stella 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?" Stella looked surprised.

Abby grinned. "Con, we all know each other so well. Calling him 'Mr. Connolly just sounds stiff. Last t|

saw him, | asked if | could call him Neville and he agreed without a second thought. Star, Neville is handsome,

successful, and let's be real—he's got his act together. No , no messy love life."

She glanced around, then lowered her voice co

nspiratorially.