As for Rachel''s "terminal illness," Deanna had already heard the whole story from Jasper not long ago. Apparently, there was now a cure; as long as Rachel followed the doctor''s orders, she''d make a full recovery.


    Deanna, however, was far from convinced.


    This so-called terminal illness of Rachel''s? Most likely just an excuse to cozy up to Haynes.


    She was a woman herself-did Rachel really think she couldn''t see through another woman''s little tricks?


    If this had been before, Deanna would have exposed the lie to Haynes in a heartbeat. But now, she chose to keep quiet.


    Because she''de to realize that Haynes was actually considering getting back together with Ste-he even wanted Ste to be Keen''s mother again.


    The thought made Deanna break out in a cold sweat.


    She and Ste had already burned their bridges. If Ste came back, wouldn''t that make Deanna look like a fool? She''d much rather see Rachel in the family than let Ste walk through that door again.


    So, Deanna lounged back in her chair, watching the drama unfold before her like a show.


    Ste and Marvin were putting on a decent performance, but Deanna figured it was all just memorization-rote learning, nothing more.


    She could only imagine how many tutors Ste must have begged for help these past few days, howte she''d stayed up every night just to prepare for thispetition.


    Deanna was certain: Ste didn''t really know French.


    Just then, Haynes returned, having finished up a call with his assistant.


    His work schedule was always packed, so it was a rare asion for him to make time to watch Keen''s performance today. Even so, his phone hadn''t stopped ringing all afternoon.


    But when Keen was on stage with Rachel, Haynes had switched off his phone, choosing to focus on their act.


    Given the duo''s high score, he wasn''t surprised. If anyone knew Rachel''s talent, it was him. Keen had never neglected his studies either. Their victory seemed practically inevitable.


    Thest call had dragged on a bit, so by the time Haynes came back, the performance onstage had already ended.


    He nced at the two people under the spotlight-Ste and Marvin his dark eyes narrowing.


    Turning to Callie, he asked, "What happened? Did they forget their lines?" Callie''s mouth hung open, her eyes fixed on Ste with a newfound curiosity.


    At her brother''s question, she finally turned his way. "Forget their lines? Why would you think that?"


    Haynes looked around at the buzz of the crowd. "What, did they mess up the performance?"


    If it wasn''t forgotten lines, it must have been a disaster on stage. In Haynes''s mind, Ste apparently didn''t have a single redeeming quality.


    Callie shook her head. "No, actually, they were amazing. Practically wless. A bunch of judges even gave them perfect scores. But-one judge suspected them of cheating."


    She quickly filled Haynes in on what had happened.


    Jasper, overhearing, couldn''t help but joke, "Haynes, I''ll give Ste this-she really put in the hours. She almost made it believable. She must have been desperate to impress you and Keen. Still, fake is fake. No matter how much you polish up a stone, it''ll never turn into a pearl. The judge saw right through her, didn''t he?"


    But before he could finish gloating, Ste suddenly spoke up-in a long, fluent stream of French.


    The entire room froze.


    Rachel''s mocking smile faltered before it could fully form.


    Ste said, “Mr. Franco, using your academic credentials to belittle others is incredibly rude. Having someone like you-a judge who openly mocks housewives and looks down on others'' education-makes me seriously question the fairness of this panel. And as anguage judge, shouldn''t your foreignnguage skills be above the rest?"