Ordinarily, Ste 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 Ste spoke up, Lauretta would likely agree to be Rachel''s special guest, simply out of loyalty.


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


    Ste 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."


    Ste''s eyes narrowed. "Well, now you know. So, are you still nning to poach her from me?"


    Rachel lowered her gaze, hiding whatever shed 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."


    Ste gave a small, coldugh, enunciating every word. "I asked Lauretta because she''s my friend. What gives you the right to ask her?"


    "Oh, is it your money and power? Do you really think she needs that?"


    "Or is it your so-called favors? Tell me, how much do you think those are worth to


    her? Does she even want them?"


    She turned to Haynes, her expression icy. "Or maybe it''s just your


    shamelessness?"


    Haynes'' eyes flickered, but he said nothing.


    Rachel felt the sting of Ste''s open challenge. Why should someone like Lauretta


    -born into privilege-choose Ste over her as a friend?


    She tried one more time. "Ms. Cameron, I know you don''t like me, I—"


    But Ste mmed her hand on the table, cutting her off with a loud crack. "Enough!"


    She stared at Rachel, her voice cool and sharp. "If you know I can''t stand you, then act ordingly. I''m not a man you can save your little games for someone else."


    Rachel hadn''t expected Ste 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 nced at Laurettà, hoping to find a trace of disapproval or difort. Instead, retta''s smile only deepened, her bright with support for Ste.


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


    Ste 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." Cóntent


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