The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

After Stella and Lauretta left, Rachel lowered her voice. "Haynie, Stella turned us down... What should we do now?"

Haynes was silent for a few seconds before answering, "Invite someone else."

Rachel instinctively bit her lip, unwilling to let it go. "But—"

Haynes turned to look at her. "Unless you have a way to convince Lauretta? Or maybe you can talk Stella into giving up her spot for you?"

Stella's dislike for Rachel had always been obvious; she'd never bothered to hide

it.

As for Lauretta, she wasn't someone you could easily manipulate-trying to get her to change her mind was pretty much impossible.

And Stella...

A dull ache twisted in Haynes's stomach. He knew Stella's patience with him had worn thin, almost to the breaking point. If he pushed her any further, she just might do something drastic-something that would leave them both with nothing.

She was Keen's mother. The last thing Haynes wanted was to turn her into a mortal enemy.

Rachel dropped her head. "Well... if she's a friend of Ms. Cameron's, I guess there's nothing we can do."

...

After leaving the restaurant, Stella took Lauretta for a stroll around Neo-Vespera.

Lauretta had grown up in Solmaris; even though she'd visited Novaris before, she'd never really explored the city.

Katrina and Wendy, on the other hand, had both grown up in Novaris. They'd planned to take a long break, and since they finally had some free time, they decided to catch up with old friends and childhood companions.

Katrina had barely arrived at her friend's gathering when her father called. "Sunny, I heard you're on vacation and hanging out in Neo-Vespera?" "Yeah, Dad. Why?" Katrina replied.

"Well, here's the thing I have a friend whose girlfriend is putting on a concert soon. He's hoping you'll agree to be a special guest."

Katrina played the cello. Despite her young age, she'd already made quite a name for herself in music circles.

Her father, who had once considered arranging a marriage for her, had finally given up on the idea. Her own accomplishments brought him far more pride than any society match ever could.

The fact that he was calling her personally about this meant the request was no small matter.

Katrina frowned. "When is it?"

He told her the date.

She didn't hesitate. "Sorry, I can't. One of my best friends is holding a concert at that time, and I already promised her I'd be there."

Her father sounded puzzled. "Your best friend? I haven't heard anything about Miss Chapman or Wendy Burke planning a concert."

With Lauretta and Wendy's current fame, news of a concert from either of them would have been buzzing all over social circles. Even his

business partners would've started

asking if Katrina might per art @

quest.

as a

He was more than happy for Katrina

で

to be friends with Lauretta or

Wendy. Especially the Chapman

family without Katrina's

connection, their family wouldn't even have the chance to introduce themselves.

Katrina sighed. "It's not them. It's another close friend. Anyway, I'm busy now,noveldrama

Dad. I'll have to call you back later.”

She hung up quickly.

Meanwhile, Wendy was facing a similar situation.

Her brother, however, was far more blunt.

"Wendy, this time the invitation is

from Haynes. O'Brien, CEO of The O'Brien Group. Our company just signed a deal with them, so we really can't say no to this request.

Whatever plans you have during that time, cancel them. All of them."