The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 176

Rachel felt a twinge of curiosity but nodded gently.

Before long, Peggie approached with a clipboard in hand. "Ms. Pearce, could you please sign this for me?"

"Of course," Rachel said, taking the pen and scribbling her name.

Peggie beamed as she took it back, then asked, "Are you here as a judge, Ms. Pearce?"

"No," Rachel replied with a smile, pulling Keen to her side. "I'm here to support this kid in the competition."

Peggie glanced at Keen, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Clearly, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. With a mom like Ms. Pearce, you're bound to take home the trophy."

judge to speak such words openly, especially in the presence of so

with dry amusement. "Ms. Smith, do introduce us

not friends. Ms. Pearce here is a violinist I

alum?" His gaze towards Rachel softened with newfound respect. "We haven't seen a music graduate from Neo-Vespera in Novaris for the

is essential, the legacy of musicians is often

fade into obscurity, those from Neo-Vespera leave a lasting

learning of Rachel's prestigious background, regarded her with

Peggie's misunderstanding of her relationship with Keen and instinctively glanced

to clarify, but Deanna stopped him with a whisper, "Haynie, explaining now will only embarrass Keen. What good does it do? If the judges find out Keen's mom is disgraced, how do you expect him to hold his head

They might not remember just anyone, but

judges away.