Never Forgive Never Forget (Celeste and Philip) novel Chapter 168

"Salome, have you been taking private gigs on the side?"

"I just asked around—turns out you've been showing up late for more than half the week."

The room fell silent. Everyone stared at Salome in shock.

With perks as good as these, who would need to moonlight elsewhere?

Salome's scalp prickled. Instinctively, she wanted to brush it off with a lie, but Celeste strolled over, heels clicking on the polished floor.

"Your client's last name is Allen."

Salome's mind went blank. She had a dozen excuses ready, but not a single word came out.

How did she know?

First, this woman had stolen her solo for the concert, then put her on a two-week probation, and now she'd dug up her side hustle too!

Furious, Salome couldn't hold it in any longer.

"You've been spying on me!"

"Is that it? Trying to edge me out, so you can take my spot fair and square?"

Celeste hadn't expected such an outburst, but remained calm and dignified. "Looks like there's plenty of proof you've been moonlighting. If you want to keep your seat in this orchestra, don't break the rules."

Having said her piece, Celeste reminded herself she wasn't officially part of the orchestra, so she stepped aside, waiting for Kate to handle things.

Now that her secret was out, Salome realized what she'd just blurted in front of everyone.

"Kate, I—"

"No need," Kate cut her off. "Salome, you're dismissed, effective immediately. Someone will be in touch about your exit paperwork."

She gestured for someone to open the door. As Salome was ushered out, Kate clapped her hands, addressing the rest of the room. "Everyone's here. Let's get started with today's rehearsal as usual."

The music swelled; nobody so much as glanced after Salome.

With that, Celeste walked straight to her car and pulled away.

Salome watched the Rolls-Royce disappear, her eyes bloodshot with rage.

She'd just lost her job, and the person responsible had driven off in a luxury car. What was she supposed to do now?

Just then, her phone rang. It was Viola.

"Ms. Lewis, when's your next lesson?"

Salome's eyes lit up.

Of course! She still had this gig. The money she'd lost from the orchestra—she'd just make it back here.

Once she'd squeezed enough out of this gullible girl, she'd audition for another orchestra. Everything would work out.

"Viola, you know, as a violinist for the Luna Orchestra, what you paid before really doesn't cover that many lessons."