The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 458

Stella was quiet for a few seconds before finally saying, "Let's just take it one step at a time."

Abby suddenly remembered something. "By the way, didn't Dr. Burton call you a few days ago about preparing a little show for the retirement home? Did he set a date?"

She grinned, adding, "I saw Marvin practicing the piano extra hard lately. He told Dr. Burton he wants to show off his skills for the grandmas and grandpas, too."

Stella nodded. "It's set for the end of this month. But..."

Abby caught the hesitation in her voice. "But what?"

Stella frowned. "Dr. Burton gave me the address for the venue-it's the most exclusive private club in Neo-Vespera. The kind where you can't even get past the door without a membership card."

Abby waved it off. "Maybe Dr. Burton's inviting all his old friends from his army days. If he's organizing a rare event, it makes sense he'd want to do it in style."

She patted Stella's shoulder and went on, “Don't be fooled by how humble Dr. Burton's clinic looks. He's been a doctor for a lifetime, and with all the connections he's made, booking a fancy place for a concert isn't so surprising. He's not the type who spends on himself-maybe this is the kind of thing he wants to splurge on."

Stella thought about it and realized Abby had a point. She nodded in agreement. Abby said, "Star, want me to come with you tonight? If Jasper and his friends try anything again, it's good to have backup."

Stella shook her head gently. "No need. I can handle it."

want Jasper and his crew

up on Stella's concern and didn't

comes up, promise you'll

"I will."

...

evening, Stella arrived at the cruise ship's concert venue

tried to give her

Stella boarded the

she'd imagined. Everything gleamed gold and crystal, the kind of extravagant luxury that made you

Williams family, Stella had seen her fair share of grand events, but even among those,

huh? Bet you've never set foot in a

without her noticing, cigarette dangling from his lips, his

with small talk.

exhaled a plume of smoke. "You were married to Haynie for five years, and he never brought you to anything like this, did he? Tonight, you're only here because Rachel's on the

life."

a smug

was personally