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

family-if Haynes was set on remarrying Stella, perhaps it wasn't out of the question. But lately, Haynes

mind began to

Rachel? Rachel was certainly better than Stella, but there were plenty of young women from good

the perfect opportunity

but the Burton family still had several eligible daughters. It wouldn't hurt to see if any caught Haynes's eye. If nothing worked out, she

Mr. Walden's personal apprentice, she was a catch-if only her

"Is Mr. Walden coming

nodded. "Yes, my mentor

Rachel and turned to Keen, who had

you keeping up with your

head to

mood and gently asked,

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

voice barely above a whisper. "I

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

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

his mother was doing anymore. He wanted to call her, but pride held him

school, his mom would be there-hovering, bustling around him, fussing