Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101 The Moon and Star

“How’s your grandfather doing?”

“He’s in the ICU. Still unconscious, but the surgery went well.”

Something heavy settled in Jasper’s chest. All these years, Vincent had been drowning in regret and self- blame. It had eaten away at him, piece by piece.

“He’ll be okay, right?”

Stella caught the concern in his voice–more worry for Vincent than she’d ever heard him express for Felix. Was this what it looked like, caring about someone because their daughter loved them?

“He’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”

Jasper slid a black card across the table toward her. “This is a pass for the underground auction. Go whenever you want. I’ve also got a collection of paintings at home–antiques, rare pieces. And medicinal herbs too. If you want any of it, just come take it.”

Stella didn’t say yes. Didn’t say no.

“What did your mother call you?”

“Star.”

Jasper’s lips parted slightly. Fragments of memory surfaced, unbidden.

‘Jasper, you’re the moon. I’m the sun. So who’s Star?”

‘She’s our little princess.”

He remembered the blush on Nicole’s face. Remembered kissing her forehead, right there, right then.

*****

Lucas–the father of classical music, they called him–had arrived in Azure Peak City. Stella had spent days rehearsing with him, lost in the music.

‘Nirvana.” The white–haired man smiled, genuine and warm. “Sharing a stage with you is a genuine pleasure. One of the highlights of my career.”

“Likewise.”

He leaned in conspiratorially. “Let me ask you something. That handsome young man who keeps picking you up–is he your muse?”

Stella thought of Elias. A faint smile touched her usually composed face.

“Guess.”

“Ha! You didn’t deny it. So that lucky guy actually managed to win over the music world’s most

11:56 am Ppp.

Chapter 101 The Moon and Star

unattainable star.”

Stella’s hands moved faster as she packed up her things.

“Lucas. Could we add one more piece to the program?”

Lucas beamed. “Of course. It would be an honor for everyone.”

“Thank you.”

“Go on. He’s waiting.”

Stella left, violin case on her back, her steps unconsciously quickening.

Finished

“Lucas.” A man approached as the door closed behind her. “Where’s Queen? I have a student who admires her tremendously. She’d love to meet her.”

Lucas‘ brow furrowed slightly. “You know the rules.”

The man blinked, then bowed his head. “Forgive me. I overstepped.”

Outside, Sienna’s face fell with disappointment when she realized she wouldn’t get to meet her idol.

This concert was her best chance. If she could just impress Queen–earn her favor–maybe she could become the violinist she’d always dreamed of being.

*****

Elias leaned against his black Rolls–Royce, a bouquet of white tulips in his hand.

The sunlight caught him just right, his smile warm as a spring breeze.

He heard footsteps–familiar ones–and looked up. His eyes lit up.

Stella paused, then smiled back.

And then they were moving toward each other, drawn together like magnets.

Did you wait long?”

‘Are you tired?”

He ducked his head and chuckled–low, warm, genuine. The smile spread across his handsome face like

sunrise.

She laughed softly behind her hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her car.

‘Ring.”

The phone cut through the moment like a knife.

While Stella answered, Elias naturally took her violin case and slung it over his shoulder.

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Chapter 101 The Moon and Star

“Really? I’ll be right there.”

The smile that bloomed on her face was like a rose opening–bright, alive, full of joy.

“Vincent woke up?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go. I’ll drive.”

He offered her the flowers. She took them. “Thank you.”

“If you really want to thank me–let me do you a favor instead.”

Stella tilted her head, confused. She was thanking him. Why was he offering to help her?

“What kind of favor?”

Finished

Elias looked at her–really looked–and reached over to pull her seatbelt. The movement brought them close, close enough that she could feel his breath. “Helping you…” His voice was soft. “…make a wish come true.”

Stella blinked, puzzled. But he’d already turned the key, pulling out of the lot toward the hospital.

It wasn’t until they’d been driving for a while that a faint blush crept up her cheeks.

Did he mean…?

She remembered, suddenly, telling him once that she sometimes wanted to kiss him. Her face warmer. Something fluttered in her chest. Anticipation.

*****

Azure Medical Center.

“Stella.”

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