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."

improper for a judge to speak such words openly, especially in the

arched an eyebrow, his voice laced with dry amusement. "Ms. Smith, do introduce us to your... esteemed

not friends. Ms. Pearce here is a violinist I greatly admire, a graduate of Neo-Vespera University." Hearing

softened with newfound respect. "We haven't seen a music graduate from Neo-Vespera in Novaris for the

hard work is essential, the legacy of musicians is often built on

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

upon learning of Rachel's prestigious background, regarded her with

relationship

Deanna stopped him with a whisper, "Haynie, explaining now will only embarrass Keen. What good does it do? If the judges

a cold glance at Stella. "I'm trying to protect Stella's reputation. These judges are influential. They might not remember just anyone, but they'll certainly recall someone linked

the teacher maintaining order led the judges away. Abby, witnessing this, was ready to confront