The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She had only just made it through the qualifying round-hadn't even reached the main event-when everything fell apart.

After being cast out of the Williams family, she never returned for that race.

Racing had always been for Sherman. She'd only ever practiced, only ever cared, because of him.

But once she realized that everything Sherman ever felt for her was nothing but a hollow act, she couldn't bring herself to touch anything he liked ever again.

Looking back now, it was obvious: Sherman inviting her, a complete novice, to compete wasn't about giving her a chance. He just wanted to see her humiliated.

All of that happened six or seven years ago.

Stella had long buried those memories.

So why was it, staring at the man in front of her now, that it all came rushing back?

She spoke coolly. "Mr. Burton? Is there something you need?"

Sellers narrowed his eyes. "You know who I am?"

Stella replied, "So, you're allowed to recognize me, but I can't know you?"

It had only taken one meeting, but Stella's impression of Sellers was already terrible.

For a stranger, someone she'd never met before, to expose her identity to her face-it was nothing short of rude.

Besides, the three identities he'd listed for her were loaded with meaning.

Haynes's ex-wife-reminding her she was divorced.

Keen's mother—a pointed note that she was already someone's mom.

And Skyler's daughter-something nobody was supposed to know.

He was making his position clear: putting her in her place.

As he watched her face grow colder, Sellers realized she'd understood every word.

Clever, he thought. No wonder Sherman ended up burned by her.

He spoke at last, his voice icy and sharp.

"I don't care why you're trying to get close to the old man. The Burtons aren't people you can toy with."

He paused, staring her down, his words slow and deliberate.

"I know the people you've gotten involved with make you feel bold, but I'm warning you—"

He stopped again, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with her.

"Stay away from Aurora. Don't you dare use those cheap little tricks of yours on her. Otherwise, even you

are Skyler's own daughter, I won't let you off."

Stella's expression shifted, as if something had clicked.

"So, another one of Aurora's lapdogs, huh?"

Sellers' eyes flashed cold. "What did you just say?"

Stella regarded him with a gentle, almost musical voice, her tone as soft as water.

"Did I strike a nerve? If you're not one of Aurora's lapdogs, then what exactly gives you the right to warn me like this?"

She smiled, mocking him. "Are you her best friend? Because if so, a friend has no right to threaten me. Or...are you her boyfriend? But as far as I know, Aurora isn't dating anyone."

Stella leaned in, her tone laced with ridicule. "Aurora is my sister. If my father and brother heard that annoveldrama

outsider was threatening her ownet

sister they'd probably think you were trying to stir up trouble and disrupt the peace in the Williams family."

She paused, her gaze challenging. "I doubt my father would ever let Aurora marry someone like you. He'd never risk bringing someone so divisive into our home."

Sellers' stony face changed instantly.

He knew all too well that Skyler cared more about appearances than anyone. He stepped forward, suddenly grabbing Stella's wrist.

"You're threatening me?" Sellers stared down at her, his lips curling into a cold, dangerous smile.

"Stella, do you have any idea what happens to people who dare threaten me?"

His grip tightened, his strong hand crushing her bones.

A sharp, searing pain radiated from Stella's wrist, spreading up her arm.

Her eyes widened.

Whether it was playing violin, painting, or racing, her hands were everything-she couldn't afford even the slightest injury.

Her hands were more precious than her life.

Stella tried to wrench herself free, but he held her fast-his grip like iron,

impossible to escape.

Cold sweat slid down her forehead, dripping onto her lashes.

She could almost hear the brittle sound of bone under pressure.

An icy fire flickered in her gaze.

Was he really trying to destroy her hand?