The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 407

Stella and Abby turned at the sound of footsteps and saw a young woman standing uncertainly in the doorway, glancing around.

Stella walked over and smiled. “Yes, this is S&A Studio. Are you here for the audition?”

The young woman nodded, looking a little nervous.

“My name is Candida Fletcher. I’m here to interview for the pianist position.”

She handed Stella a neatly prepared resume.

Stella took the resume and scanned it, raising her eyebrows in surprise. Candida was not just a pianist—she was a talented violinist as well. Her piano credentials were impressive: Grade 10 certification, and a string of solid results from various international competitions—some of which were quite prestigious.

Stella nodded approvingly. “Would you mind playing something for us right now?”

Candida nodded again and quietly made her way over to the piano. She adjusted the bench, pressed a few keys to get a feel for the instrument, then began to play.

Her foundation was rock-solid. Every movement was precise—her technique flawless.

But then, something went wrong.

Maybe it was nerves. Maybe something else. But in the middle of an otherwise beautiful passage, Candida hit a wrong note.

A single mistake during a live audition isn’t usually disastrous, as long as the performer recovers quickly. But Candida froze, as if the mistake had shattered her composure. The music faltered—a discordant note rang out, then silence.

Her face went white as paper. “I’m sorry… I—I messed up…”

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her expression exhausted and lost.

Stella watched her for a moment, then spoke softly. “It’s alright. It was just one wrong note. Why don’t you try again?”