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?"

into the party. This is Mr. Burton's

meticulous about their invitations—each one accounted for, no exceptions. To prevent unwanted guests, everyone had to show proof at the door. Without it, not even

had this woman gotten

Stella. "Miss, may I

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 in by

sooner had she

drifted over. Rachel's eyes sparkled with feigned surprise, her lips curled into a sly smile. "Ms Cameron, if you don't have an invitation, just admit it. Why bother

you like, I could put in a word with Haynie—let's

nearly killing. you-and you'd still vouch for her? I say no way. People like her shouldn't be here. Sir, get

Stella unable to produce an invitation and noting the group's open hostility, lost all patience. He signaled to the security guards behind him. "Escort this lady