Chapter 597

The room fell into heavy silence.

Evelyn said nothing, her fingers tightening around her cello bow.

Alexander's voice was calm but firm. "There's no need for concern. The authorities are thorough. If she's guilty, justice will be served."

Cassandra's face drained of color as officers led her away, the murmurs of orchestra members following her like a shadow.

Within minutes, the incident became the hottest topic among the musicians. Evelyn found herself at the center of whispered conversations.

When Edward Brown received word about his daughter's arrest, he rushed to the concert hall in panic.

Meanwhile, Evelyn sat in her dressing room, carefully adjusting the pegs of her instrument.

Alexander arrived carrying an extravagant bouquet of white roses, placing them silently in her dressing room before stepping out. Their paths crossed with Edward in the hallway.

Though not close to Evelyn, Edward recognized Alexander immediately.

Seeing the powerful businessman felt like grasping at straws.

"Mr. Whitmore," Edward pleaded, wringing his hands. "Your wife wasn't seriously harmed. Cassandra is just impulsive. I'll ensure she understands the gravity of her actions. Could we perhaps... overlook this incident?"

Alexander's expression darkened visibly.

"Impulsive? She's twenty-six. My wife is twenty-three."

"As the orchestra director, you should be enforcing discipline, not making excuses. Frankly, this makes me question your leadership."

Edward's face flushed crimson.

Being chastised by a man fifteen years his junior burned his pride.

Alexander continued mercilessly. "Your parenting speaks for itself. Twenty-six years of your guidance produced this. Since you've failed, the legal system will educate her properly."

Edward bowed his head as curious colleagues passed by.

The sight of their esteemed director groveling before Alexander set tongues wagging.

Beads of sweat formed on Edward's forehead as regret washed over him. He'd underestimated Alexander's protective nature.

"You're absolutely right. I was mistaken. Cassandra was wrong," Edward forced out between clenched teeth. "Please accept my sincerest apologies."

"Why apologize to me?" Alexander's gaze flicked toward the dressing room. "I wasn't the one locked in a freezing room for hours. Edward, how would you suggest we handle this? Your orchestra connections might protect you, but I have contacts in the city council. As for your position..."

Edward's stomach dropped.

He'd come to beg for his daughter's freedom, not realizing his own career hung in the balance.

"Rules exist for a reason! I never show favoritism!" Edward declared hastily.

He just wanted this nightmare over, realizing he'd tangled with the wrong man. "When Cassandra is released, I'll personally bring her to apologize to your wife."

Inside the dressing room, Evelyn heard every word.

A small smile touched her lips. Alexander's fierce protectiveness still surprised her.

This feeling of security, knowing someone always had her back, warmed her more than any applause ever could.

Then the stage manager knocked.

"Ms. Carter? You're on in two minutes."

Evelyn stood, smoothing her gown. She'd memorized every note, practiced every measure. As the announcer called her name, mentioning she was...