The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 495

A long, black luxury van waited at the curb.

When the door slid open, Haynes, Rachel, and Keen were already inside.

Keen looked up as Deanna and Callie climbed in, greeting them politely.

"Grandma. Aunt Callie."

Deanna's response was little more than a dismissive nod. Her gaze, however, lingered on Rachel.

Rachel was dressed beautifully that day—a tasteful, elegant dress that made her look delicate and gentle, every bit the picture of grace.

Deanna's brows knitted together. "Why are you bringing her to Mr. Burton's birthday party?"

Haynes's voice was calm. "The invitation I received included Rachel."

Deanna looked genuinely surprised. "They invited her? Since when does the Burton family have ties with her?"

Rachel spoke softly. "Maybe it's because I'm now Mr. Walden's apprentice. Perhaps that's why they asked me to come."

eased a little at

the family-if Haynes was set on remarrying Stella, perhaps it wasn't out of the question. But lately, Haynes hadn't mentioned Stella at all. Maybe he'd finally let go

mind began to turn over new

marry a woman from a distinguished family, why settle for Rachel? Rachel was certainly better than Stella, but there were plenty of young women from good families who were just as accomplished-some of whom might not even mind that

party was the perfect opportunity to meet those

several eligible daughters. It wouldn't hurt to see if

was a catch-if only

Mr. Walden coming

smiled and nodded. "Yes, my mentor will be

last, Deanna looked away from Rachel and turned to Keen, who had

you keeping

his head to say he

sensed his downcast mood and gently asked, "What's wrong, sweetheart? Are

always adored children, and Keen was clever and sweet—maybe

lifted his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I

had been a while since he'd seen her. Not too

that troublemaker from kindergarten a few times, but recently, she hadn't even shown

was doing anymore. He wanted to call

there-hovering, bustling around him, fussing over what