The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 423

Stella felt her cheeks burn with shame at Mr. Walden's words.

There was nothing she could say to defend herself.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "You're right... All of this is my fault. I gave up too easily, and only then did I realize how wrong I was. Mr. Walden, I promise you-I won't walk away so lightly ever again. Please... would you consider giving me another chance?"

Mr. Walden's expression was unreadable, his tone measured. "Ms. Cameron, I already gave you that chance. You're the one who let it slip through your fingers. This isn't the kind of place where you can just come and go as you please-show up when you feel like it, and turn your back when you don't."

He paused, and Stella's heart clenched. "You gave me a chance?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. "When was that?"

Mr. Walden looked at her with piercing eyes. "Not long ago. I saw something special in you, so I reached out and asked to meet."

He glanced at Haynes, who stood awkwardly nearby.

"Your husband met with me in your place. He told me you were too busy with the O'Briens, and turned down my invitation."

face Haynes, disbelief flickering in her eyes. "You met with Mr. Walden

away, unable to meet

confession. Haynes had turned Mr. Walden down on her behalf -without ever telling

was not the time to argue. She forced herself to swallow her anger and turned back to Mr. Walden. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea.

have the energy I once did. Long ago, I decided I would

at Rachel, standing quietly by his side.

offered a gentle smile.

may not have your natural talent, but she loves music with all her heart. She's never stopped working, never let her illness win.

talent but worked harder than anyone. Now, they're thriving in their fields-successful, fulfilled. And those I chose for their genius? Most walked away, distracted by marriage or convinced they were too gifted to need real effort. The moment they failed, they gave up,

in a slow breath. "That's why, with my last

faded,

plead

some opportunities only come once. If you miss them, they're

Today, something had