The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 423

Stella felt her cheeks burn with shame at Mr. Walden’s words.

There was nothing she could say to defend herself.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. “You’re right… All of this is my fault. I gave up too easily, and only then did I realize how wrong I was. Mr. Walden, I promise you—I won’t walk away so lightly ever again. Please… would you consider giving me another chance?”

Mr. Walden’s expression was unreadable, his tone measured. “Ms. Cameron, I already gave you that chance. You’re the one who let it slip through your fingers. This isn’t the kind of place where you can just come and go as you please—show up when you feel like it, and turn your back when you don’t.”

He paused, and Stella’s heart clenched. “You gave me a chance?” she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. “When was that?”

Mr. Walden looked at her with piercing eyes. “Not long ago. I saw something special in you, so I reached out and asked to meet.”

He glanced at Haynes, who stood awkwardly nearby.

“Your husband met with me in your place. He told me you were too busy with the O’Briens, and turned down my invitation.”

Stella whipped around to face Haynes, disbelief flickering in her eyes. “You met with Mr. Walden for me?”

Haynes’ gaze darted away, unable to meet hers.

She didn’t need a confession. Haynes had turned Mr. Walden down on her behalf—without ever telling her.

But now was not the time to argue. She forced herself to swallow her anger and turned back to Mr. Walden. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea. If you’d only—”

Stella opened her mouth, desperate to plead her case, but the words caught in her throat. She understood, painfully, that some opportunities only come once. If you miss them, they’re gone.

Perhaps yesterday, Mr. Walden had been open to taking on one more exceptional student. Today, something had changed his mind. And now, his last student had already been chosen.

The hope in Stella’s eyes slowly faded.

Just then, Noah, who’d been silent until now, spoke up. “Mr. Walden, Ms. Cameron truly didn’t know about your invitation. If she had, she never would have turned you down.”

Mr. Walden seemed to understand now how things had unfolded. He offered a gentle, regretful smile. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be accepting any more students.”

Noah persisted, his voice earnest. “Ms. Cameron’s talent is rare, and her love for music hasn’t faded. Even if you can’t take her on as a student—perhaps you could offer her some guidance, help a lost soul find her way again?”