NovelApexChapter 397
Stella was just about to follow her train of thought when Antoney's voice cut in, pulling her back to reality.
"In that case, why don't we go to the conference together?"
She blinked, startled, then nodded. "Alright."
Rachel's Studio
When Haynes arrived, he found Jasper comforting a tearful Rachel. "Don't worry, Rachel. | swear I'll find out who
did this to your studio!" Rachel didn't respond. She just kept her head down, dabbing at her eyes. As Haynes
stepped inside, Jasper looked up as if he'd just spotted a lifeline. “Haynie, look at this—someone's out for
revenge! They splashed paint all over Rachel's studio!"
Haynes didn't need Jasper to explain. The words scrawled across the walls in garish red paint were impossible to
miss.
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"Rachel is a homewrecker!"
"Rachel destroys families!"
"Cheating tramp! Husband stealer!"
The insults, written in angry, jagged letters, covered the walls and doors. The harsh red looked almost like blood,
turning the whole place into a scene from a nightmare. The sharp, chemical stench of paint hung thick in the air,
making Haynes want to gag.
His gaze darkened as he took it all in.
"Have you checked the security cameras? Any idea who did this?"
Jasper, for once, seemed to have his wits about him. "We tried. Whoever did this, they disabled the studio's
cameras ahead of time. But the building's main entrance cameras were still running. The problem is, the culprits
cprepared they were all bundled up, faces hidden. All we could see was four men, dressed like workers,
hauling in paint cans."
Rachel's eyes were red-rimmed, her usually gentle face hardening with a rare flash of anger.
"I don't even know what | did to deserve this," she said shakily. "This is my workplace, for God's sake."
Jasper bristled. "Who else could it be but Stella? | heard she's planning a concert, too! Obviously, she couldn't
stand to see you succeed."
But Haynes didn't jump to conclusions. He kept his voice even. "I'll have someone investigate this thoroughly."
Jasper scowled. "Con, Haynie Rachel's barely been back in Neo-Vespera, she hardly knows anyone but us. If
she's got any enemies, it's clear who they are."
He looked at Haynes, suspicion in his eyes.
"Don't tellyou're going to defend Stella again?"
Haynes raised an eyebrow, cool and unbothered. "When have | ever defended her?"
Jasper pressed on, undeterred. "Look at all the trouble Stella's caused lately. With your influence, you could've
crushed her like a bug by now, but you haven't lifted a finger. If that's not favoritism, what is?"
Haynes's handsfeatures
remained impassive. "You don't condemn someone without solid evidence. If you really think I'm. playing
favorites, go ahead and call the police. See if they arrest Stella based on your guesswork
Jasper's bluster faltered, but he stuck to his guns. "Even without proof, it's obvious Stella's involved!"
Haynes turned to Rachel. "What about you, Rachel? What do you think?"
Rachel's lashes fluttered like moth
wings. Her voice was quiet. "Whether or not Ms. Cameron is
behind this doesn't really matter net
What matters is my studio's been trashed. This will disrupt myo practice and the upcoming concert. We'll have to
renovate, aipthe place out... everything's going to be delayed."
She lowered her head, her expression clouded with frustration.
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