The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 502

"Mom?"

The soft, hesitant call snapped Stella back to reality. She turned and saw Keen- dressed like a little gentleman, every detail immaculate. It had been some time since she'd last seen him.

Once, she'd treasured Keen more than her own life; the slightest hint of trouble would leave her anxious and fretting for hours. She'd even convinced herself, more than once, that losing him would be unthinkable-something she simply wouldn't survive.

But reality had proven otherwise. Stella knew now: she must never lose herself for anyone, not even her own child.

She nodded gently in reply to Keen's greeting, but a faint question lingered in her mind.

Why had Mr. Burton invited them as well? Was he trying to mend the rift between her and Keen, bringing him—and, by extension, the whole O'Brien family-along to smooth things over?

Her thoughts were interrupted as the commotion drew the attention of the event manager. A middle-aged man strode over, his tone sharp: "What's all this noise about? Is something wrong here?"

woman doesn't have an invitation. She slipped into the party. This is Mr. Burton's birthday celebration, and we can't have unidentified guests

accounted for, no exceptions. To prevent unwanted guests, everyone had to show proof at the door. Without it, not even the Queen herself would have been

this woman

Stella. "Miss, may I

brow furrowed slightly. "I'm sorry, I'm here to perform.

manager had let her in. She hadn't met this man before-odds were, he was an in-house butler, brought

had

eyes sparkled with feigned surprise, her lips curled into a sly smile. "Ms Cameron, if you don't have an invitation,

added with syrupy concern, "If you like, I could put in a word with Haynie—let's say you came with us,

too soft! After what she did-pushing you into the lake, nearly killing. you-and you'd still vouch for her? I say no way. People like

hostility, lost all