Chapter 33 A Rematch Is Set
“Tomorrow. At the university. How does that sound?”
Hearing that, Elias allowed himself a small smile. “Sounds good.”
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Just as Stella was about to head back to the suite, she paused and turned to face him, her voice steady. “Elias, this time, I’m not losing.”
Something about the confidence in her eyes sparked something in him—a flicker of competitive fire he hadn’t felt in a while.
Back in the suite, he still couldn’t care less about what was happening on stage. His gaze kept drifting back to her, sharp and unrelenting.
He wanted to get closer to her. But Elias Cross, the man who could talk his way through any boardroom battle, found himself completely at a loss for words whenever she was around. Still, the thought of seeing her tomorrow brought an unfamiliar warmth to his chest.
As the concert wound down, Jasmine grew more restless.
Where was Stella?
She hadn’t spotted her once the entire night.
“Silas, where are you going?”
She grabbed his arm the moment he stood up.
“Backstage. I’m going to get Iris‘ autograph.”
That was just an excuse. What he really wanted was to be seen–to make an appearance where it mattered.
He also wondered if Nirvana might be back there somewhere. If he threw enough money at her, maybe he could lock her in as Iris‘ exclusive songwriter.
That would definitely score him points with Iris, wouldn’t it?
“I’m coming with you.”
Jasmine tried to hide the jealousy creeping into her voice, but it was there.
The rest of their friends, assuming Silas had connections, tagged along without a second thought.
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Chapter 33 A Rematch Is Set
Backstage.
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Finished
The moment Stella walked in, Iris caught her reflection in the mirror. A small smile tugged at her lips as she gathered her dress and stood.
“Stella, I’m exhausted.”
Iris opened her arms and practically melted against Stella’s shoulder.
Minutes
ago,
she’d been a superstar commanding thousands.
Now she looked completely drained–her voice soft, her energy gone.
Stella patted her back gently.
“I’ll drive you home.”
Iris‘ eyes brightened slightly. She smiled and shook her head. “My assistant’s got it. You should head home and rest too.”
“Miss Monroe, try some of these pastries.”
Iris picked one up casually, took a bite, and immediately perked up.
She grabbed another and ate it just as quickly.
“Where did these come from? They’re incredible.”
At that, Stella and Tess exchanged a glance.
Tess blinked. “Miss Monroe, wait–didn’t you have these sent up for Stella?”
“What? No, I didn’t send anything.”
Iris took another bite and turned to her manager. “Were these delivered to the VIP suite?”
“No, they weren’t.”
Stella looked just as confused,
“Stella, let me go find out.”
Tess hurried off.
“Maybe it was some secret admirer.” Iris raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
An image of Elias flickered through Stella’s mind.
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Chapter 33 A Rematch Is Set
0:0
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Finished
Could it have been him?
“Iris, there’s a crowd of fans waiting in the parking lot. They’re hoping for autographs and photos.”
“Grab the pre–signed photos. Hand them out when we leave.”
“Got it.”
Iris and Stella walked out together.
“I heard Silas offered you ten million for a song.”
“Something like that.”
“And? You take it?”
Stella smiled. “I’m not exactly in the habit of turning down money.”
Iris laughed and gave her a thumbs–up.
“How was I tonight?”
She asked the question like she was almost nervous to hear the answer.
Stella held up both thumbs. “Incredible.”
Iris grinned. “That’s because of you.”
“Get some rest.”
“You too.”
The moment they parted, a wave of fans rushed forward.
“Iris! Iris!”
Iris passed out signed photos as she made her way toward the car.
“Thank you, everyone. Get home safe, yeah?”
“Iris!”
Silas pushed through the crowd.
Across the lot, Jasmine spotted Stella and immediately changed direction.
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Chapter 33 A Rematch is Set
Finished
“Stella”
Stella paused, one hand on the car door, and turned to look at her calmly.
“Wow. Nice car.” Jasmine’s smile was sharp. “Did you steal it, or…?”
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