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."

expression eased a

into 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

mind began to

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

opportunity to meet

family still had several eligible daughters.

Rachel was Mr. Walden's personal apprentice, she was

"Is Mr.

and nodded. "Yes,

Deanna looked away from Rachel and turned to Keen, who had been silent the whole

school going? Are you keeping up

his head to say he wasn't falling

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

Older folks always adored children, and Keen was clever and sweet—maybe he'd win Mr. Burton's favor, and they could start building

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

had been a while since he'd seen her. Not too long ago, he'd spotted her

few times, but recently, she hadn't

what his mother was doing anymore.

be there-hovering, bustling around him, fussing over