Chapter 268

“No need,” Haynes’ tone left no room for argument. “She has to take care of Keen; she doesn’t have time for all these frivolous events.”

Benson sighed silently. Earning the admiration of Maestro Walden was the dream of many musicians. Haynes added, “Recommend Rachel to Maestro Walden.”

Benson’s eyebrows rose. “I’ve heard Maestro Walden is quite eccentric. He’s specifically asked for Ms. Cameron. Recommending Ms. Pearce might not go over well…”

Haynes was silent for a few moments. “Set up a meeting with Maestro Walden. I’ll speak with him personally.”

Benson sighed again. “Understood.”

Jasper, seeing Haynes hang up, dropped the subject as well.

At Stella’s house, Abby Murphy was laughing uncontrollably after learning that Jasper and Rachel had taken the concoction.

“Hahaha! Did Rachel and that Jasper really drink something brewed with foot wash and cockroaches?”

Stella couldn’t help but chuckle as she recalled the scene and nodded.

Abby was thrilled. “Next time, I should think of something even better to add.”

After laughing for a while, Abby remembered the main topic.

“Star, wasn’t your performance with Antoney Watson already scheduled? Why was it suddenly postponed?”

Stella furrowed her brow. “Mr. Burton said that since I’m going through a divorce with Haynes, he wants me to sort out my personal issues first.”

Abby was puzzled. “Is Mr. Burton worried that Haynes will cause trouble? It’s just a charity performance, after all.”

Stella found it strange too but didn’t dwell on it.

“Perhaps Mr. Burton is concerned about Jasper causing a scene after what happened last time. He might just want to avoid any hassle.”

Abby nodded slightly. “True, Jasper is like a mad dog with no sense. It’s better to keep our distance from people like that.”

Abby suddenly asked, “Star, do you remember Maestro Walden?”

Stella’s expression shifted slightly. “You mean Maestro Walden from Yorsion?”

“Yes, Stella’s mentor,” Abby said seriously. “There are rumors online that Maestro Walden came to Novaris recently.”

Maestro Walden, now sixty-five, was a legendary figure in the music world. In his youth, he was a prodigy, mastering instruments effortlessly and playing any piece perfectly after hearing it just once. At fifty, due to exhaustion, he retired after several hospitalizations. Yet, his legend never faded. He began nurturing talents, accepting only a dozen students throughout his life. Those who trained under him are now prominent figures in the music industry, known for their extraordinary musical gifts. Stella’s mother, Nora, was one of his students.

Abby looked at Stella, hesitating. “Star, five years ago, Maestro Walden extended an invitation to you. But you were pregnant with Keen and planning your wedding, so you declined.”

“I think he wanted to assess you, maybe even take you under his wing.”

“Now that Maestro Walden is here in Novans, should we reach out? With your connection to him as your mother’s student, he might still be willing to take you on.”

Abby sighed heavily. The O’Brien family has always criticized your education and career, but if you’d accepted Maestro Walden’s offer back then, you’d be…

Who needs to marry into wealth when you can create your own?