Chapter 533

The golden afternoon light streamed through the practice room windows as Evelyn's bow glided across the cello strings. Having been immersed in classical music since childhood and now studying under a maestro like Leonard Herty, her progress had been extraordinary.

In merely seven days, her technique had transformed dramatically.

"Looking for a lucrative gig?" Leonard's voice interrupted her practice.

Evelyn lifted her bow from the strings. "What do you have in mind?"

"There's a luxury hotel grand opening tonight. They need a solo cellist." Leonard adjusted his glasses. "Five grand for one hour's performance. Perfect opportunity to gain experience."

After brief consideration, Evelyn nodded. Constant performance was the only path to mastery. And five thousand dollars for sixty minutes? That was opportunity knocking.

She carefully packed her prized cello, then returned to her dorm to prepare before heading home.

Alexander had called at dawn, promising to leave work early to collect her. They'd planned a romantic dinner before her performance - the timing worked perfectly. Her suitcase held a sleek cocktail dress for changing at the venue.

"Are you close?"

Standing at the orchestra building entrance, Evelyn scanned the street with her performance bag. One hand held her phone while the other adjusted her subtle makeup - just enough to accentuate her natural elegance, giving her an almost otherworldly glow.

"Right behind you," Alexander's familiar voice answered.

She turned to see his luxury sedan idling at the curb. Evelyn hurried toward it. "We should leave soon. I've got preparations after dinner."

Her hand froze on the door handle as she glimpsed the interior.

The backseat wasn't empty.

Alexander sat beside Isabella Morgan, their thighs nearly touching in the confined space. No room remained for Evelyn.

Her stomach dropped. "I see you've... made alternate arrangements?" The words tasted bitter. This dinner she'd anticipated all week had become something else entirely.

Disappointment flooded her veins. How many times had Alexander met Isabella during her intensive week at the orchestra?

The morning call replaying in her mind - Alexander's promise of trying a new restaurant, just the two of them - now felt like cruel mockery.

Isabella emerged gracefully, her bandaged wrist prominently displayed. "Don't be jealous, Evelyn!" Her musical laugh carried across the pavement. "I got discharged today and hitched a ride when I heard Alexander was coming."

She moved toward the trunk, struggling with her violin case before pouting at Alexander. "It's too heavy with my injury. Be a dear?"

Evelyn's breath caught.

"Isabella works here too?" The realization struck like icy water.

Isabella flashed a triumphant smile. "Oh yes, first chair violin. Heard you're joining us? We'll be seeing plenty of each other, colleague."