The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel 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?”

Rachel spoke up, her tone careful. “Ms. Cameron, you misunderstand. I didn’t know Ms. Chapman was your guest. I only wanted to invite an old college friend to help support me on stage, that’s all.”

Stella’s eyes narrowed. “Well, now you know. So, are you still planning to poach her from me?”

Rachel lowered her gaze, hiding whatever flashed in her eyes. “Ms. Cameron, I’m not trying to steal anyone. As Mr. O'Brien said, it’s entirely your call. We’d just appreciate it if she could help us out—if she has the time.”

Stella gave a small, cold laugh, enunciating every word. “I asked Lauretta because she’s my friend. What gives you the right to ask her?”

She stared at Rachel, her voice cool and sharp. “If you know I can’t stand you, then act accordingly. I’m not a man—you can save your little games for someone else.”

Rachel hadn’t expected Stella to rip the mask off so publicly, not giving her an inch of courtesy. This wasn’t how a “respectable woman” was supposed to behave.

Almost out of reflex, Rachel glanced at Lauretta, hoping to find a trace of disapproval or discomfort. Instead, Lauretta’s smile only deepened, her eyes bright with support for Stella.

Rachel’s heart sank. If Lauretta truly sided with Stella, with things so hostile between them, she had no chance.

Stella turned to Haynes, voice colder than ever. “Mr. O'Brien, instead of wasting your time scheming against me, maybe you should look for another guest. Don’t think you’ll take anything else from me. Not this time. I won’t back down again.”

With that, Stella shot Lauretta a look, and the two women left the room together.