The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 472

Even if Stella produced Raven’s ID, they could just claim it was fake.

She’d admitted to Stella’s identity herself as Ms. Chapman, yet neither of them wanted to believe it.

They clung to any excuse not to trust her, which was precisely why Star couldn’t be bothered to explain further.

Rachel met Lauretta’s gaze head-on. “Even if Ms. Chapman says so herself, you and Stella are friends. It’s only natural you’d want to talk your friend up, don’t you think?”

But Lauretta only turned to Haynes. “Mr. O'Brien, do you not believe me either?”

Haynes stayed silent; his expression said enough.

Lauretta realized there was no point in arguing, so she simply let it drop. “If you don’t believe me, then so be it.”

The four of them finished their meal in almost complete silence, conversation dying off entirely.

Once the plates were nearly cleared, Stella began to rise and politely excuse herself, only for Haynes to finally speak up.

“Ms. Chapman, may I ask—what could be so important that you can’t spare even a single day?”

He still hadn’t let go of the idea of Lauretta accepting the guest performer invitation.

Lauretta was about to issue another polite deflection, but Stella, who had been quiet for most of the meal, spoke up instead.

“She’s my featured guest at my own concert,” Stella said. “She won’t have time to appear at Ms. Pearce’s event.”

Lauretta had never brought this up, not because she was afraid of Haynes, but because she didn’t want Stella to bear the brunt of their resentment.

She’d grown up among the wealthy and powerful, and she’d seen this kind of thing too often: whenever she refused to attend someone’s event, they’d always find a way to hold it against someone else—usually the person closest to her.

Maybe they weren’t openly fighting her for Lauretta, but this maneuver was still distasteful.

Lauretta shook her head. “Mr. O'Brien, organizing a concert isn’t as simple as you think. I need time to rehearse before I perform, and I’ll also be busy with Star’s concert rehearsals. There’s simply no way I could fit anything else in.”

Haynes wasn’t naive. He knew a featured guest wouldn’t be on stage the entire evening—if the timing was managed right, Lauretta could theoretically do both.

He gave up trying to convince her, turning his attention to Stella instead.

No matter how they’d become friends, Lauretta’s stance was clear: when it came to choosing sides, she was with Stella.

If he wanted to persuade Lauretta, he’d have to start with Stella.

“Star,” he said, his voice much softer and more restrained than before. “Since Ms. Chapman is your friend, I’m sure you want her to prioritize your concert. As for Rachel’s event, she’d only need to appear and play a single piece. It wouldn’t take much of her time.”