Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 Elias‘ Lingering Gaze

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That night, she hadn’t asked what had happened. She’d just sat with her and sung this very song, hoping it would lift her spirits.

Thinking of her own mother, Stella felt her eyes sting.

She tilted her head back just slightly, enough to stop the tears from falling.

Elias wasn’t really paying attention to the concert. His gaze had been fixed on her the entire time. Something about the way she looked in that moment hit him harder than he expected–a dull ache settling somewhere in his chest.

“Stella, you should try some of these desserts. I’ve almost finished them all.”

Stella nodded quietly.

She had to admit, the pastries were incredible–sweet, but not overwhelming. And somehow, they pulled her out of her head just a little.

“I’m definitely asking Miss Monroe where she got these. They’re way too good.”

Tess kept talking between bites.

On stage, Iris finished another song.

The crowd showed no signs of calming down.

“Iris, is Nirvana here tonight?”

“Nirvana! Nirvana!”

“Iris! Iris!”

“Reunion! Reunion!”

The arena buzzed with anticipation,

The energy kept climbing.

“Nirvana is seriously mysterious. With a following this big, if they just went live occasionally or showed up at events, they’d be printing money.”

Gideon made the comment while eating pretzels.

In his mind, that was the easiest path to a fortune.

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Chapter 32 Elias‘ Lingering Gaze

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“Gideon, with your looks and that sharp suit, if you started streaming, you’d blow minutes.”

Leo threw an arm around his shoulder, grinning.

“I–I can’t exactly take on side gigs like that.”

Gideon fumbled over his words, then instinctively glanced at Elias.

up

in

His boss was currently staring across the arena like some lovesick idiot, his eyes locked onto Stella Shaw like she was the only person in the room.

Thank god. Thank god he hadn’t heard that.

Leo noticed it too.

“Elias, if you’re that into her, just go talk to her.”

Elias‘ brow furrowed slightly.

Into her?

He wasn’t into her.

He just felt bad for her. And he admired her. That was it.

“Seriously, man. You won’t make a move yourself, but you won’t let anyone else make a move either. Just sitting there, taking up space for no reason. That’s rough.”

At that, Elias‘ gaze lingered on Stella a moment longer. Something stirred in his chest- something unfamiliar he couldn’t quite name.

On stage, Iris faced the roaring crowd with a bright smile.

“Iris, Nirvana, reunion!”

“Nirvana, I love you!”

Every time fans shouted those words, Iris felt genuinely happy for her friend.

But when she spotted Silas and Jasmine in the front row, screaming at the top of their lungs, “Nirvana, I love you!” with ridiculous enthusiasm, her smile flickered for just a second.

If those two ever found out who Nirvana really was, she wondered if they’d still be yelling like

that.

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Chapter 32 Elias‘ Lingering Gaze

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“Thank you, everyone. On behalf of Nirvana, I want to thank you all for your support.”

Iris‘ gaze drifted toward the VIP suite where Stella sat. Her smile widened, and she waved. Stella waved back.

For a moment, the crowd followed Iris‘ line of sight, craning their necks to see who she was looking at. But no one could tell which shadow in the private boxes belonged to the mysterious Nirvana.

“I’ll make sure all your love and support reach her. Next, this song–‘Just As We Dreamed‘–is for all of you.”

The arena transformed into a sea of red lights, alive with electricity.

Halfway through the concert, Stella slipped out of the suite.

Elias noticed immediately. He stood and followed.

“Mr. Cross, where are you going?”

“Just stepping out for some air.”

Gideon shot up, ready to follow.

“I need to be alone.”

Gideon hesitated. If something like last time happened again, he’d never forgive himself.

“Gideon, what are you doing?”

Leo grabbed his arm and pulled him back down. “Read the room, man. He’s going after the girl. What, you wanna tag along and be the third wheel?”

“Huh?”

“Look across your future boss‘ wife is gone.”

Gideon glanced toward Stella’s suite. Sure enough, she was no longer there.

Stella stepped out of the restroom and nearly walked straight into Elias.

The moment their eyes met, Elias felt his heart stumble. The man who never backed down. from anything was, in that moment, completely off balance.

He swallowed hard, forcing what he hoped was a relaxed smile. “Small world.”

Stella laughed softly, one eyebrow lifting. “Mr. Cross, you’ve been staring at me all night.

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Chapter 32 Elias‘ Lingering Gaze

Should I be flattered?”

At that, Elias felt his throat tighten. He couldn’t get a single word out–not even a denial.

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She caught the faint blush creeping up his neck, and the barest smile touched her lips as she moved past him.

“Stella.”

He caught up to her in a few quick steps.

“When are we having that rematch?”

She turned to look at him, her gaze warm but unreadable. Those striking eyes of hers–usually so cool and distant–now held a softness that made his pulse quicken despite himself.

“I’m curious. Why would you want a rematch with someone you already beat?”

“You didn’t beat me. I almost lost to you.”

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