Deanna frowned, her tone sharp. "Honestly, Callie, must you make such a fuss? Where''s the poise befitting a youngdy of your standing?"


    But Callie, barely able to contain her excitement, thrust her phone in front of Deanna''s face.


    "Mom, do you know Lauretta? She''sing to Neo-Vespera as a special guest!"


    “Lauretta?" Deanna''s brows arched in surprise. "You mean Ms. Chapman? Lauretta Chapman?"


    Callie nodded emphatically. "That''s right! The Lauretta Chapman. I hear not only does shee from an outstanding family, but she''s also incredibly talented. Some even say she could rival Aurora, the reigning queen of high society."


    "She''s my absolute idol. I have to go to her concert this time, no matter what!"


    Deanna nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, building a connection with someone like Ms. Chapman is important. If you manage to catch her attention and be friends, it would be a great advantage to the O''Brien family as well."


    Callie sighed in admiration. "Apparently she''s here to support her best friend. Her friends Wendy and Katrina are both amazing too-they''re even members of the Neo-Vespera University Hall of Fame! It''s true what they say: excellence attracts excellence. Never mind being friends with Lauretta-a signed photo from her would make me the envy of everyone for ages."


    She paused, scrolling through her phone.


    "But wait... it''s not Wendy or Katrina''s concert this time. It''s another friend''s... Let me see who-"


    She tapped the link to Lauretta''s invitation and suddenly her eyes widened.


    "It''s Ste''s concert? Wait, is that the Ste I know?"


    At the mention of Ste''s name, Deanna''s face instantly darkened.


    "What''s that wretched woman up to now?"


    Deanna had never cared for Ste. Ever since Ste started talking back and openly defying her a while ago, Deanna''s dislike had only grown.


    Callie rubbed her eyes in disbelief. "It says here the concert is being hosted by Ste... Is this for real?"


    At this, Deanna let out a coldugh.


    "It''s just someone with the same name. That Ste-barely educated,pletely uncultured-how could she possibly know someonedike Lauretta?"


    Callie nodded tentatively. "That does make sense, but..."


    She frowned at her phone. "This Ste is apparently putting on a violin concert. Isn''t that a little too much of a coincidence?"


    Deanna''s voice was icy. "There are plenty of people who y the violin. Ste hardly stands out. Remember when she won first ce at the kindergarten talent show? I


    Neville helped her cheat


    just yed a pre-recorded tape. With her education and skill, putting on a concert isughable. And inviting Ms. Chapman? Do you really believe that?"


    Callie fell silent.


    It did sound absurd.


    Ste hosting a concert, sure-she had Neville''s support, and Antoney, who also yed violin, would likely help But Lauretta and her friends as special guests? That was a stretch.


    It had to be someone else with the same name.


    ***


    The O''Brien Group.


    When Jasper heard that, besides Lauretta, the other two had also declined Rachel''s invitation to her concert, he looked utterly incredulous.


    "Are they out of their minds? Do they really dare to offend even you, Haynie?!"


    Rachel''s face was tight with frustration. She looked over at Haynes, who stood by the window, and took a deep breath.


    "Haynie... are they all going to Ste''s concert instead?"


    Before Haynes could answer, Jasper burst out, "No way! Ste? That nobody?


    How could she possibly pull something like this off?"


    Rachel ignored Jasper, her eyes locked on Haynes.


    "I heard Wendy and Katrina are Lauretta''s closest friends. If Lauretta asks them, I doubt they''d dare say no."