StartNovelChapter 458
Stella was quiet for a few seconds before finally saying, "Let's just take it one step at a time."
Abby suddenly remembered something. "By the way, didn't Dr. Burton call you a few days ago about preparing a
little show for the retirement home? Did he set a date?"
She grinned, adding, "I saw Marvin practicing the piano extra hard lately. He told Dr. Burton he wants to show off
his skills for the grandmas and grandpas, too."
Stella nodded. "It's set for the end of this month. But..."
Abby caught the hesitation in her voice. "But what?"
Stella frowned. "Dr. Burton gavethe address for the venue-it's the most exclusive private club in Neo-
Vespera. The kind where you can't even get past the door without a membership card."
Abby waved it off. "Maybe Dr. Burton's inviting all his old friends from his army days. If he's organizing a rare
event, it makes sense he'd want to do it in style."
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She patted Stella's shoulder and went on, “Don't be fooled by how humble Dr. Burton's clinic looks. He's been a
doctor for a lifetime, and with all the connections he's made, booking a fancy place for a concert isn't so
surprising. He's not the type who spends on himself-maybe this is the kind of thing he wants to splurge on."
Stella thought about it and realized Abby had a point. She nodded in agreement. Abby said, "Star, wantto
cwith you tonight? If Jasper and his friends try anything again, it's good to have backup."
Stella shook her head gently. "No need. | can handle it."
She wasn't worried for herself; she just didn't want Jasper and his crew to shift their attention to Abby instead.
Abby seemed to pick up on Stella's concern and didn't push further.
"If anything comes up, promise you'll textright away."
"1 will."
That evening, Stella arrived at the cruise ship's concert venue exactly at the tJasper had told her.
Maybe Jasper knew that if anyone tried to give her trouble at the entrance, she'd just turn around and leave.
So Stella boarded the ship without any issues.
The cruise ship was massive-far more opulent than she'd imagined. Everything gleamed gold and crystal, the
kind of extravagant luxury that made you feel dizzy just looking around.
During her years with the Williams family, Stella had seen her fair share of grand events, but even among those,
this ship was easily in the top five for sheer ostentation.
"Pretty impressive, huh? Bet you've never set foot in a place like this before."
Jasper had appeared behind her without her noticing, cigarette dangling from his lips, his posture casual but his
eyes sharp.
Stella didn't bother with small talk. "Where's Rachel?"
"Getting ready backstage, of course." Jasper exhaled a plof smoke. "You were married to Haynie for five
years, and he never brought you to anything like this, did he? Tonight, you're only here because Rachel's on the
guest list. You should thank her for giving you a taste of the high
life."
Something seemed to occur to him, and a smug grin spread across his face. "Oh, and tonight's
performance? It was personally net
arranged by Mr. Walden. Really, you should be grateful. If you hadn't stepped aside, Rachel would never have
had the chance to bechis protégé so easily."
After making his point, Jasper stared at Stella, hoping to catch a flicker of anger or helplessness on her face.
He'd planned to stir up more trouble for her, but Haynie had given him a stern warning-one more mess involving
Stella, and he'd be left to deal with the fallout on his ow
Even Rachel had told him, et
off, saying if he kept giving Stella "helpful opportunities," she'd stop talking to him altogether.
So Jasper had no choice but to let go of his original schemes.
it
Still, he hated the idea of Stella having it too easy. If he couldn't trip her up outright, then getting under her skin
would do.
So, without telling Rachel or Haynie, he'd made sure Stella got invited tonight.
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