Chapter 6

Stella Sterling POV

After the auction segment ended, it was time to prepare for the second half of the performance.

I stood up and headed toward the backstage restroom. Just as I reached the corridor corner, I heard a familiar light laugh."Ethan, these rings are too expensive. I really can't accept them."

Miranda's delicate voice carried a hint of shyness.

"As long as you like them, any price is worth it."

Ethan's voice was low and tender.

"You deserve this."

I paused mid-step, intending to turn and leave, but accidentally kicked a decorative planter by the wall, making a soft sound.

The two people in the corridor turned their heads simultaneously.

The moment he saw me, the tenderness on Ethan's face vanished instantly, replaced by his usual coldness and wariness.

He instinctively pulled Miranda behind him, his brows furrowed.

"What are you doing here? Eavesdropping again?"

I almost laughed at his persecution complex.

I smoothed my dress and walked forward to face them both.

"Mr. Lancaster thinks too highly of himself. This is the only way to the restroom. I'm not bored enough to eavesdrop on other people's declarations of love."

Miranda stepped out from behind Ethan, her gaze falling on me, a flash of barely concealed jealousy in her eyes.

"Stella, don't misunderstand."

Miranda bit her lip, putting on a pitiful expression.

"Ethan only bid on the rings to cheer me up because I've been under so much stress lately. Oh, and I need to thank you for lending that antique cello to my team. The tone is really wonderful. Ethan said you didn't need it anymore. You're not angry with me, are you?"

These words, seemingly grateful, were actually flaunting Ethan's favoritism toward her with every sentence while twisting the knife in my heart.

Looking at her hypocritical face, I laughed coldly.

"Miss Lynn is too kind."

I lifted my chin slightly.

"Since that cello has already been touched by others and tainted, I don't want it anymore. Consider it a donation to those in need. After all, someone has to deal with the garbage."

"You!"

Miranda's face went pale, her eyes instantly reddening as she looked at Ethan with grievance.

"Ethan, I didn't mean anything by it. How can Stella say such things..."

"Stella Sterling!"

Ethan shouted harshly, his face terrifyingly dark.

"Watch your mouth! Miranda thanked you out of kindness, and you have to act like a lunatic making a scene? Apologize to her right now!"

"Apologize?"

I met his angry gaze fearlessly and smiled slightly.

"Ethan, have you forgotten you're supposed to be a severe neurasthenia patient? You could handle that noisy auction earlier, and now to protect her, you're even raising your voice. You two really are a perfect match. One with depression who can play violin in front of thousands, another with hyperacusis who can chat and laugh at a Livehouse. Truly two medical miracles."

My words struck Ethan's face, turning it iron blue.

For three years, I had always been docile and silent, not even daring to breathe loudly.

But now, each of my sentences hit precisely where it hurt.

"Stella Sterling, you're completely unreasonable!"

Burning with rage, Ethan suddenly reached out, trying to grab my wrist.

"Don't touch me!"

I reacted quickly, retreating a step sharply.

"Ethan Lancaster, you disgust me."

His hand froze in midair, his pupils contracting violently.

He stared into my eyes.

"Say that again."

He spoke through gritted teeth, the words barely squeezing out.

"I don't repeat myself."

I glanced at him coldly.

"Please control your people, Mr. Lancaster, and stop bothering me. Otherwise, I don't mind letting the whole city know that Mr. Lancaster is not only a hypocrite but also a cheating scumbag."

With that, I turned without hesitation and walked away from the corridor without looking back.

Leaving Ethan standing there alone.