Chapter 146
Gwyneth looked over. She remembered this woman–Vera—the same violinist who’d suddenly felt sick mid–performance and asked Gwyneth to fill in for her.
After the show, Elowen had followed protocol and put Vera on a two–week observation period as a warning, banning her from performing. Still, Vera had received full pay and benefits.
Elowen was never soft when it came to the orchestra. She stepped forward and asked directly, “Vera, have you been taking private jobs outside? I asked around earlier. You’ve been late more than half the week.”
The room went silent. Everyone looked at Vera in shock. With how well Luna Orchestra paid, they couldn’t understand why she’d need to take side gigs.
Vera’s scalp tingled. She instinctively wanted to lie her way out–but Gwyneth stepped forward slowly and said, “Your client’s last name is Emerson.”
That shut Vera down instantly. There was no way to use the excuses she’d already come up with.
She didn’t understand how Gwyneth knew. First, Gwyneth had taken her spot in the concert, which got her benched for two weeks. And now she’d somehow dug up her side job.
Furious, Vera snapped, “You investigated me? Are you trying to push me out so you can take my place for good?”
Gwyneth didn’t expect such a strong reaction. Staying calm, she replied, “Sounds like the evidence is solid. If you want to keep your spot in the orchestra, maybe don’t break the rules.”
She wasn’t part of the Luna Orchestra, so once she finished speaking, she stepped aside and left it to Elowen.
Vera finally realized what she’d just admitted and tried to backtrack. “Elowen, I wasn’t-”
“No need to explain,” Elowen cut her off. “Vera, you’re fired as of today. Someone will contact you about the exit paperwork.”
As she gave instructions for the door to be opened and Vera to be shown out, Elowen turned back and clapped her hands. “Everyone’s here now. As usual, let’s begin today’s group rehearsal.”
The sound of strings filled the studio. No one paid any more attention to Vera.
Looking at the open door behind her, Vera bit her lip, stomped her foot, and left in frustration and shame.
Gwyneth liked how decisive and sharp Elowen was. She found a seat and sat down.
While the Luna Orchestra rehearsed, she quietly worked on composing. Three hours later, she gathered all her inspiration onto sheet music and handed it to Elowen.
Elowen gave her a big hug. “We get to work together again.”
“Yeah. It’s been years since we’ve co–written a piece,” Gwyneth said, returning the hug.
They smiled at each other as they pulled apart. Elowen still had orchestra matters to deal with, so she waved and left. Gwyneth, ready to head home and rest, said goodbye as well.
Just as she walked out the door, Vera stepped out from around a corner. She stared at Gwyneth angrily and asked, “Why do you hate me so much?”
“I don’t hate you. You broke the rules and got kicked out. Don’t go blaming others for it,” Gwyneth said, then got into her car and drove off.
Vera watched the Rolls–Royce Cullinan disappear down the street, her eyes burning with rage.
She’d just lost her job, and Gwyneth–the one who started it all–got to drive away in a luxury car. Vera had no idea what she was supposed to do
now.
Just then, a call came in from Bella. “Ms. Collins, when’s our next lesson?”
Vera’s eyes lit up. She suddenly remembered–she still had her private violin lessons with Bella. Maybe she could make up the lost income from that. Once she’d squeezed enough money from Bella, she could audition for another orchestra.
With that thought, Vera said sweetly, “Bella, I was a violinist in Luna Orchestra, you know. What you paid before wasn’t enough for that many
lessons.”
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