The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Keen's heart raced as he watched a crowd gather around his mother, voices rising as if they meant to throw her out. He couldn't hold back any longer.

"Mom," he blurted out, "if you just apologize to Rachel about what happened last time, Dad will help you."

A few weeks ago, Rachel had landed in the hospital again after falling into the lake.

When Keen went to visit her, Mr. Wilkinson pulled him aside, saying that his mother had pushed Rachel into the water in front of everyone. Keen had asked his father if it was true, and he hadn't denied it.

Now, seeing his mother surrounded like this, Keen could only assume his father was still angry about the incident-and refusing to help her because of it.

But when Stella looked at him, her gaze was so calm and penetrating that Keen suddenly felt uneasy.

"There's no need," Stella replied quietly.

Her answer made Haynes's dark eyes grow even colder, his handsome features tightening into a scowl.

All she'd need to do was tell the manager she was Keen's mother-explain she was here for her child-and he'd step in, call off the crowd, and resolve everything. But Stella said nothing.

"Star! There you are-I've been looking everywhere-Oh, isn't this Mr. O'Brien?"

A tall, striking man strode over, his sharp gaze flicking over the group. For a moment, something sly flashed in his eyes.

"Evening, everyone. What a coincidence."

No one seemed surprised to see Neville Connolly among them. The Connollys weren't at the very top of society, but they were solidly among the elite; an invitation for him wasn't out of the ordinary.

The manager clearly recognized Neville and immediately straightened, greeting him with respect. "Mr. Connolly."

Neville's expression shifted just slightly. "What's going on here?"

The manager spoke in a low voice. "Someone said this lady slipped into the party without an invitation... Mr. Connolly, you know the family's rules."

Neville smiled. "She's my guest."

As he spoke, his gaze flickered meaningfully over Jasper and Rachel.

"Would you like to check the invitations again?"

The manager looked momentarily embarrassed, then turned to Stella. "I'm very sorry, miss. I misunderstood."noveldrama

Stella didn't seem bothered. "It's fine."

After all, she didn't have an invitation or a staff badge.

Seeing Neville step in for Stella, Rachel's pretty face twisted

jealousy. She knew she wo with el

able to

3 Stella up tonight, no

what.

tbe

How lucky could she get? Divorced from Haynes, but instantly on Neville's arm.

Without Neville, Rachel thought, she'd have crushed Stella like an ant by now.

Neville glanced at Keen, then smiled at Stella. "Star, do you want to catch up with them for a bit?"

Stella shook her head. "No, thanks."

The show would start soon; she had no desire to stand around arguing.

Neville's gaze swept over the group, lingering at last on Deanna, who stood nearby, looking at Stella with open disdain. Deanna had always sneered at Stella's modest

background.

If only she knew the truth about Stella's family—and that she'd caught the eye of

Mr. Burton. That would be a sight to see.

Of everyone here, only Neville knew Mr. Burton's real identity.

To Stella

show

as the others, tonight's

just another charity

how important it really wheel

perfore. But Neville k

Mr. Burton was here for Stella's sake. He'd even invited Mr. Walden to attend.

If Stella had what it took, she'd seize this chance to put Mr. Walden in his place— and finally prove herself to everyone.