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

Or, if you have

gave a

sympathize with Ms. Pearce's situation. But I'm sorry-I've already promised a friend to help her, and

is

afraid I must decline, Mr. O'Brien and Ms.

effectively blocked every avenue Haynes had

was Ms. Chapman, after all. If word got out that she broke a promise, it could damage her family's reputation. That

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

used the concert to befriend Lauretta and finally break into high

no choice but to drop it and

tried to change the subject. "It's almost lunchtime. Ms. Chapman, why don't you stay

just being polite;

expect Lauretta

down, after all. Why would she want to spend more time with

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

a meal, after all. Hardly a

the waiter

picked up the menu and turned