The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 196

"Even if it's those prestigious universities overseas, should you desire it, securing a spot for a year or so to get a diploma would be a piece of cake. Our Music Association has very lenient terms. We won't interfere with your gigs or endorsements, nor will we meddle in your personal affairs. All we ask is that you occasionally drop by to give a lecture to our members when you have the time."

Peggie's words felt like a sharp slap to Deanna. She had just finished mocking Stella's lack of formal education when Peggie approached Stella, heaping praise on her.

Deanna's face flushed as she couldn't help but sneer. "Has the Music Association really dropped its standards so low? Letting just anyone in, and for a high school dropout, no less?"

Peggie, well aware of the recent spat, was too eager to recruit talent to care about Deanna's scorn. "What good is pride when compared to talent like Ms. Cameron's? I'd gladly kneel if it meant having Ms. Cameron join us. But as for you, Deanna..."

Peggie turned to Deanna with a knowing smile. "If I'm not mistaken, you're Ms. Cameron's mother-in-law, aren't you? Ms. Cameron is such a credit to you, yet you don't seem pleased. Oh, I get it now..."

Peggie's face brightened with feigned realization, her words sharply cutting through the air. "You're upset that Ms. Cameron didn't compete on behalf of your family, aren't you?"

On her way here, Peggie had pieced together what had happened from the chatter around her. It's human nature to flatter the powerful and belittle the weak, she thought. It's hard to watch others succeed when you can't. Admitting someone else's excellence—why is that so difficult?

Deanna was so incensed that she was at a loss for words. Stella glanced at Deanna and then turned to Peggie. "Thank you for the invitation, Ms. Smith. I'll definitely consider it."