The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 575

Haynes noticed Rachel staring at Aurora, her gaze lingering a bit too long. He spoke up softly, “Rachel?”

Startled, Rachel snapped out of her daze. She quickly masked her shock and offered a friendly smile. “Hello, Ms. Williams.”

Aurora didn’t seem the least bit offended by Rachel’s lapse in manners. With a warm smile, she replied, “Ms. Pearce, it’s lovely to meet you.”

After a few moments of casual conversation, everyone found their seats around the table.

Both Rachel and Aurora played violin, giving them plenty of common ground. The two soon fell into an easy, engaging discussion.

Rachel was surprised to discover that, although Aurora hadn’t attended Neo-Vespera University, her violin skills were outstanding—her insights on music even surpassed Rachel’s own. It was clear that the kind of resources available to someone from an elite family like Aurora’s made all the difference.

Yet, Rachel didn’t feel even a hint of jealousy—only admiration. The gap between them was just too wide. In looks, poise, education, and refinement, Aurora outshone her in every way. The reputation of the city’s leading socialite was, it seemed, well-deserved.

They enjoyed a pleasant lunch together, laughter and conversation flowing easily.

As the meal was winding down, Haynes suddenly spoke up. “Ms. Williams, I wonder if I could ask a favor.”

Aurora turned to him with a gentle smile. “Mr. O’Brien, you don’t need to be so formal. You’ve helped me before—it’s only right that I return the kindness. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll do my best.”

As always, Aurora was impeccably polite, never making promises she couldn’t keep—even if she was almost certain of success. The fact that she agreed to help at all was already a great courtesy to Haynes.

After lunch, as they stepped out of the restaurant, Rachel couldn’t hold back her curiosity any longer. “Ms. Williams, if you don’t mind me asking—where did you get your earrings?”

Aurora remembered how Rachel had fixated on her earrings when she first walked in. She smiled. “Ms. Pearce, do you like these earrings?”

Rachel nodded. “It’s just that, not long ago, I accidentally lost one of a friend’s earrings. I wanted to replace it for her, but I have no idea where it came from. Yours are exactly the same as hers, so I was hoping you might tell me where you found them.”

Aurora looked genuinely surprised. “These earrings? They were a custom birthday gift from my father. I’m afraid you won’t find them anywhere else.”