The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 470

Rachel was shockingly blunt.

Yet Lauretta's smile didn't falter for a moment. Her tone remained calm and polite, gracious as ever.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Pearce, but this is a personal matter. I don't owe you an explanation."

Rachel paused, caught off guard.

Lauretta's manner stayed friendly, but there was a subtle sharpness behind her words now.

"And, Ms. Pearce, it's quite rude to make malicious assumptions about others."

Rachel's expression flickered.

Just seeing Stella there had already tipped her off-Lauretta was definitely going to refuse her request.

At that moment, a man's deep, pleasant voice broke the tension.

"Ms. Chapman, Rachel is terminally ill, and this might be her final concert. I hope, as fellow alumni, you'd be willing to help her out."

his voice

you're willing, I'll owe you a favor. Or, if you have any conditions, just

gave a gentle,

sorry-I've already promised a friend to help her, and I can't

is the

Mr. O'Brien and

those words, Lauretta effectively blocked every avenue

If word got out that she broke a promise, it could damage

only deepened. If it wasn't for Stella interfering, Lauretta might have agreed to be her special guest, given Haynes's

concert to befriend Lauretta and finally break

had no choice but to drop it and look

to change the subject. "It's almost lunchtime. Ms. Chapman, why don't you stay for a meal before you

was just

actually expect Lauretta

them down, after all. Why would she want

surprise, Lauretta smiled and agreed easily. "Thank you, Mr. O'Brien.

meal, after all.

the waiter

up the menu and turned toward Stella, who was