The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 389

Keen said, "But... when I studied French with my tutor, Mom never once joined us. And besides..." He glanced toward the stage at Stella, his voice softening, "She speaks even better than my French teacher."

Jasper scoffed, unconvinced. "That's just your opinion. If Stella's French was really that good, why would you need a tutor in the first place? She could have just taught you herself. I bet she just got lucky-knows a few phrases and now she can't wait to show off."

Deanna, overhearing their muttered conversation, couldn't resist butting in. "What exactly did Stella say?"

Rachel pressed her lips together, clearly reluctant, but finally translated Stella's words for Deanna.

Haynes sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the woman standing confidently under the stage lights. For a moment, his gray eyes seemed distant, reflecting something soft and unplaceable-like the memory of a song drifting in from another room.

A memory, long buried, suddenly surfaced.

They had been at the O'Brien estate then. Deanna had brought up the idea of hiring a tutor for Keen to learn a foreign language. Stella had quietly offered, "I could teach Keen," only to be cut off by Deanna's dismissive retort:

"You? Teach Keen? We're hiring a professional language tutor. What could you possibly teach him? If Keen falls behind because of your meddling, I'll hold you responsible."

Stella never mentioned it

found himself surprised astonished, even-by how much he didn't know about his former wife. So many things he never

He paused at the word. To him, Stella had always been as plain and unremarkable as a

never loved Stella, but he'd always believed

felt strangely unmoored, as if seeing her for the

Burton burst out laughing. "Well said!

looked at him in surprise. "Mr. Burton, you speak French

mock glare, feigning offense. "What, you think

world when

traveled

foreign languages are

grinned, quick

Mr Burton, not

What a