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

voice laced with dry amusement. "Ms. Smith, do introduce us to your...

a beat, unfazed by the implication. "Well, we're not friends. Ms. Pearce here is a violinist I greatly admire, a graduate of Neo-Vespera University." Hearing this, the man's dismissive demeanor shifted to one

with newfound respect. "We haven't seen

work is essential, the legacy

fade into obscurity, those from Neo-Vespera leave

prestigious background, regarded

of her relationship with Keen and

good does it do? If the judges find out Keen's mom is disgraced, how do you expect him to hold his head high? What will people say about

are influential. They might not remember just anyone, but they'll certainly recall

order led the judges away. Abby, witnessing