Chapter 35 Envy and Isolation
Estella nodded. “Yeah. Tomorrow I’ll hand in my resignation to Serenade Music Hub.”
Finished
Though thrilled to have earned a spot in the Symphony Band, she felt a little helpless knowing she’d still have to face Isabelle
in the future.
The next day, Estella received her official offer letter from the Symphony Band.
She immediately shared the good news with Selene and submitted her resignation at the Serenade Music Hub Arts Center.
Selene was delighted. “That’s amazing, Estella. Now you’ll be touring with Mr. Chase! With your talent, I’m sure you’ll become a star internationally in no time!”
Estella looked at her gratefully. “Thank you for everything these past few weeks. I probably won’t have many chances to see you again. I’ll miss you.”
But Selene wasn’t one for sentiment. She grinned. “We’re in the same city. If you’re too busy to visit me, I’ll just come find you.”
Back home, Estella began packing.
Lilian came over to help.
From the side, Jocelyn muttered sarcastically, “Must’ve landed a bigshot. Getting into the Symphony Band just like that. So
enviable.”
Lilian found her tone offensive and snapped, “Jocelyn, watch your mouth.”
Jocelyn scoffed. “Am I wrong? You think just anyone can get into the Symphony Band? Estella beat out Ms. Isabelle, who studied overseas and has won multiple international awards? Yeah right. Who’d believe there wasn’t something fishy going
on?”
Her words stirred up the whole office. Whispers spread, with everyone starting to suspect Estella had powerful connections.
Lilian wanted to defend her, but Estella stopped her.
“I’ll handle it.”
She walked up to Jocelyn.
Jocelyn sneered. “What? Trying to clear your name? Save it. I don’t believe a word.”
Without saying anything, Estella slapped her across the face–twice.
Jocelyn stood there stunned, her cheeks burning with pain.
She jumped up and yelled, “You dare hit me?!”
Estella didn’t flinch. She pulled out her phone. “Jocelyn, I recorded everything you just said. Defamation is a legal offense. I happen to know a very good lawyer. You don’t want to see me in court, do you?”
Jocelyn hadn’t expected her to record anything. Furious and trembling, she still had no comeback.
Estella saw her deflate and snorted, returning to her seat.
Before leaving, she warned, “Watch your mouth. If I hear you spouting nonsense again, I’ll hit you harder.”
Jocelyn shrank back in fear, saying nothing more.
Estella officially joined the Symphony Band and began rehearsing with the rest of the group in preparation for upcoming performances.
Chase was very pleased with her and often gave her personal guidance.
Chapter 35 Envy and Isolation
Isabelle had also entered the orchestra, but watching Chase constantly praise Estella left her deeply resentful.
She couldn’t understand it. She wasn’t any less talented than Estella–so why did Chase favor her?
The Symphony Band’s concerts in Javerton became a sensation.
More and more people rushed online to buy tickets.
Videos of Estella playing the piano spread rapidly across the internet.
Isabelle hadn’t expected her own performances to get no attention, while Estella’s blew up.
She couldn’t accept it
無難
Finished
To isolate Estella she began buying expensive gifts for other orchestra members and treating them to meals. At the same time, she subdy planted rumors: Estella had insider help to win the audition and was now paying for fake views online.
Gradually, the members, won over by her gifts and whispers, began to distance themselves from Estella.
Though the cold shoulder hurt, Estella knew she couldn’t change how people thought of her. All she could do was continue working hard.
Among the musicians, one person remained unaffected: Trent Quinn.
He respected and admired Estella’s talent
Seeing her always eating alone, he found it a bit pitiful and started joining her at lunch.
They gradually became close friends.
Seeing this. Isabelle secretly took pictures of the two of them eating together and sent them to Nathaniel.
Along with the photos, she twisted the story.
Nathaniel, Estella is super popular in the orchestra. Barely been here and already has a suitor. She’s always with this guy–looks like they’re dating
Nathaniel was in the middle of a meeting when he saw the message. His face darkened instantly.
He hadn’t expected Estella to be this shameless–flirting with other men while working in the orchestra. To him, it was cheating.
He abruptly ended the meeting.
His assistant Whitney stood nervously nearby, completely baffled as to why work–obsessed Mr. Nathaniel was acting so out of character.
Back in his office, Nathaniel turned to his assistant. “Think of a way to make Estella willingly resign and return to the Hartwell family.
