Chapter 572

Evelyn had assumed Cassandra was merely fortunate to study under Leonard. But discovering Cassandra's ties to Titan Capital Group made the reality far more difficult to swallow.

"If Cassandra truly is the CEO's wife, why keep it secret?" she pondered.

Evelyn's finger trembled as she pointed. "You...you're married?"

Cassandra's icy stare swept over Evelyn. "Weren't you just accusing me of being someone's mistress and leveraging connections? Don't retreat now. Why the shaking hands?" With deliberate slowness, Cassandra reached out and patted Evelyn's shoulder.

"Next time you want to slander someone, at least verify your facts. And before gossiping about others, perhaps examine your own reflection. Didn't you notice your recent nose job is slightly crooked?"

Evelyn's face drained of color. Her hand flew to her nose.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. "So her nose isn't real? I thought something looked off."

Another voice added, "We're orchestra colleagues. Isn't it shameful for Evelyn to spread such rumors? Cassandra is Titan Capital's CEO's wife - why would she need to be anyone's mistress?"

Evelyn's cheeks burned. She wished the floor would swallow her whole.

Worst of all, she could feel dozens of eyes scrutinizing her nose.

Her attempt to humiliate Cassandra had spectacularly backfired. Now she was the laughingstock.

The whispers grew wilder. Some speculated she'd had full facial reconstruction.

She'd only touched her nose!

Evelyn teetered on the edge of hysteria.

Miranda Price and Eleanor Shearer, Evelyn's usual allies, grew nervous. If Evelyn turned her fury on them later, they'd pay dearly. They hurried to diffuse the situation.

"Enough everyone! Don't you have rehearsals? What if Vice President Green catches you loitering?"

The warning worked. The crowd gradually dispersed.

Evelyn wasn't just any member - her father was the orchestra's vice president. While gossip was tempting, most knew better than to cross certain lines.

When the hallway finally cleared, only Evelyn, Miranda, and Eleanor remained.

Recalling Cassandra's public humiliation, Evelyn trembled with rage.

Never had she endured such disgrace. Her pride lay in tatters.

Eleanor attempted consolation. "Evelyn, don't let her get to you. She's new here. You're principal cellist. She could never surpass you."

Miranda nodded vigorously. "Exactly. With her current skill level, she barely qualifies as an ensemble member." Evelyn's expression softened slightly at their reassurances.

In her mind, Cassandra's position as Leonard's student could only stem from sheer luck.

Evelyn had dedicated her life to music since childhood, yet still hadn't earned Leonard's tutelage.

She'd researched Cassandra's background thoroughly. No prestigious music academies. No formal training.

"It makes perfect sense," Evelyn thought. "If Cassandra is Titan Capital's CEO's wife, of course Leonard would take her on. It's all Alexander Whitmore's influence. Certainly not talent."

A cruel smirk twisted Evelyn's lips as she formulated her plan.

"Spread the word," she instructed Miranda and Eleanor. "Tell everyone Cassandra only became Mr. Herty's student by pressuring him through her position as Alexander's wife. She's nothing but a connection-climber."

Leonard was the orchestra's cornerstone. If this rumor spread, many would revolt against the idea of him being coerced.

Orchestra members prided themselves on merit and integrity. If they believed Cassandra had entered through such means, she'd drown in their contempt.

Miranda and Eleanor exchanged uneasy glances. "Evelyn...isn't that going too far? Didn't Mr. Herty himself say he begged Cassandra to study with him?" Eleanor hesitated.

Evelyn's gaze turned glacial. "Mr. Herty only said that to save Alexander's face. Do you truly believe he'd debase himself to beg anyone? She dared challenge me publicly. I'll ensure Cassandra doesn't last in this orchestra!"