The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 447

He was just testing her limits.

If she gave even an inch, Haynes would push further, pressing her from every side.

Stella didn’t waste another word. She reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of sheet music along with a small portable player.

“These are my original compositions,” she said, placing them on the table. “Ms. Pearce, Mr. O’Brien, you can take a look and decide if you want to accept my offer.”

Rachel took the sheets and leafed through them with practiced eyes.

It only took her a moment to glance up and meet Stella’s gaze.

Rachel had studied music herself and wasn’t half bad at it either.

She could tell, without question, whether the pieces were any good.

Stella went on, “I’m not going to use Star to stir up publicity for anyone—especially not with Ms. Pearce’s current reputation. That’s simply out of the question.

To be honest, Mr. O’Brien, whatever price you’re offering, I could easily earn that much down the road. It’s not exactly tempting.”

She paused, then continued, “Of course, if you can offer me a number that’s so high it’d be worth ruining my name for the rest of my life, maybe I’d consider it.

But by my calculations, that price would have to be at least nine figures.”

Nine figures. No one in their right mind would agree to that.

Not Haynes, not even Jasper. Who would spend a hundred million just to secure an exclusive composer for someone they cared about?

Even if he had that kind of money, he wouldn’t spend it that way.

Stella added, “Ms. Pearce, if you like any of these pieces, you can pick one.

But if you insist on using Star’s name to drum up hype, I’m sorry—even if Mr. O’Brien threatened me, I wouldn’t agree.”

Haynes glanced at her, then pressed play on the portable device.

A beautiful violin melody floated out, filling the office with its haunting notes.

In an instant, the room fell silent.

Even Lacey and Benson—who knew nothing about music—found themselves drawn in, quietly captivated by the sound.

No one knew how long the music played, but eventually, every piece had been heard.

Haynes’s expression was inscrutable, handsome features giving nothing away.