The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 168

"Rachel, enough. Keen isn't your free pass." Stella's voice turned razor-edged. "If you actually cared, you'd show him how to own his mistakes—not teach him to hide behind yours."

Everyone watched the scene unfold with no sympathy for Rachel's pitiful act. Instead, they whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with disdain.

If they put themselves in the shoes of those whose costumes were ruined, affecting their performance, they wouldn't be happy either. So her kid's performance matters, but the ones whose costumes she destroyed don't? Since when do other children count less?

That half-assed 'I didn't mean to' doesn't magically fix anything. Does she really believe everyone is a saint?

Rachel, realizing that no one was jumping to her defense or condemning Stella from a moral high ground, grew flustered. What was going on? Why wasn't anyone taking her side?

...

Meanwhile, Deanna and Callie found their way to Keen's dressing room. Keen's eyes lit up when he saw them enter.

"Grandma, Aunt Callie, what are you doing here?"

Callie grinned, "Isn't today's competition a big deal? We came to cheer you on. Make sure to snag a top spot!"

Keen proudly lifted his chin. "Rachel plays the violin really well. We're definitely going to take first place."