The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 473

Ordinarily, Stella had no right to make decisions on Lauretta's behalf.

But after so many years of friendship, they understood each other better than most.

By remaining silent, Lauretta had handed the choice over to her.

Back in their quartet days, Lauretta had always been the steady one-thoughtful, empathetic, never one to rush or push. If Stella spoke up, Lauretta would likely agree to be Rachel's special guest, simply out of loyalty.

Stella didn't want Lauretta to get dragged into a feud and risk retaliation from Haynes and his crowd. But if Stella disliked Rachel enough to refuse her request, Lauretta wouldn't help them either. The decision was entirely hers.

Stella frowned at the sound of her nickname-"Star"-and didn't bother hiding her irritation.

"Mr. O'Brien, do you all just enjoy taking what isn't yours? You steal my mother's keepsakes, you sabotage my meeting with Mr. Walden, you try to take over my studio. And now, you want to steal my guest performer?"

She shot Rachel a sharp look. "What's next? Does Ms. Pearce share some psychic link with me? Everything I value, she has to have for herself?"

guest. I only wanted to invite an old college friend to help support me on stage,

now you know. So, are you still planning to poach

to steal anyone. As Mr. O'Brien said, it's entirely

every word. "I asked Lauretta because she's my

is it your money and power? Do you really think

your so-called favors? Tell me, how much do you

Does she even want

her expression icy. "Or maybe it's just

shamelessness?"

eyes flickered, but he

open challenge.

over her as a

time. "Ms. Cameron, I know you don't like

slammed her hand on the table,