Chapter 40: A Swift Rejection

Zachary was speechless, his mind a whirlwind of possible greetings for Cecelia. Should he apologize? Ask about her absence? Before he could formulate a response, she brushed past him, ignoring him completely. Taken aback, he turned to see her already in her car, quietly instructing the driver, "Let's go."

Watching her serene profile disappear, Zachary struggled to regain his composure. He reached for his phone, intending to call Nathaniel about Cecelia's return, but hesitated, considering Nathaniel's past treatment of her. He was, after all, selfish. Instead, he noted her license plate and sent someone to trace her address.

Meanwhile, Cecelia's Bentley glided smoothly along the road. She gazed calmly out the window, her outward calm masking inner turmoil. How had Zachary appeared at the western suburbs cemetery? Memories of his past bullying were vivid, prompting her to remove her hearing aid. Originally suffering from mild hearing impairment, Zachary's actions had caused persistent ringing and, at times, even bleeding. Resentment toward him was unavoidable.

She sometimes regretted saving him, believing that had she not, she wouldn't endure this constant torment. Yet, saving Elliot was paramount, outweighing any personal complications. To avoid unnecessary trouble, she chose to ignore Zachary's presence. After all, he would do anything for Stella.

Chapter 10: A Swift Rejection

“Is this Ms. Cecille? We admire your work and have heard about your recent composition. Would you consider selling the rights to us? We will ensure generous compensation.”

Central Media, the largest artist management company under the Rainsworth Group umbrella, was on the line. Stella, one of their biggest stars, was managed by them. In addition to her trading company, Cecelia was a composer, using the pen name "Cecille." Before her return, she'd spread rumors of a new song to facilitate her approach to Nathaniel. That was true, but the need to sell her composition was now gone.

“I currently have no plans to collaborate,” Cecelia replied.

“Ms. Cecille, we’ll have Stella Ross perform your song. It’ll be a sensation!” the agent insisted.

“Sorry, but if the singer were someone else, we might talk,” Cecelia retorted before hanging up.

At Central Media headquarters, Stella’s agent stared at his phone, then shook his head at the anxiously waiting Stella. “She refused, Stella.”

Stella raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say she could name her price?”

“I did, but she still refused.” Cecille was internationally renowned; her compositions were guaranteed hits. Last year, her song, Girl in the Alley, had numerous popular adaptations. Stella, however, was experiencing a career slump, needing one hit song for a comeback.

“Does she know I'll be singing it?” Stella asked.

The agent nodded, repeating Cecelia's words.

“Who does she think she is? She should be lucky I’m interested!” Stella fumed.

“Stella, Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Rainsworth are your friends. With their help, securing the song would be easy,” her agent suggested.