The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Of course. Why hadn't she thought of that?

All Stella could do was play "Moonlight," over and over again.

She probably just picked that one piece, practiced it obsessively, and learned to imitate it by rote.

That made sense. How could Stella, a woman who'd spent five years as a

housewife, possess some extraordinary gift for music?

And as for Lauretta and the others, boasting that Stella was a member of the Neo- Vespera University Hall of Fame...

Rachel gave a dismissive little laugh.

Most likely, it was all because of Mr. Burton. Who would dare refuse him anything?

The moment Mr. Burton spoke, no one would say otherwise.

She'd really believed Stella had some real talent. Now, it was clear she was nothing special after all.

Rachel comforted herself with these thoughts, stubbornly refusing to admit that Stella might actually surpass her.

soothed her pride, and gradually felt her

glanced over at Joshua, only to find him lost in thought, his expression unreadable. Who knew how

the woman playing violin in the garden that night, not on her.

compose something of my own and imitate

you thinking the person

someone like Joshua, it was better to lay things out in the open

faint, almost mocking smile. "I do have

have the

then, he'd been desperate to find her. All his investigations pointed

in the garden at the

she'd been there, practicing "Moonlight"

he confronted her, she admitted

how could there still

such coincidences in this

the one you're looking for. If you don't believe me, then..so be it. Thank you, for everything you've done

ver

that, Rachel lowered her head and moved to

gently stopped her, his lips curled into a soft, easy smile. "I was only joking. Did you really take

I worry. What if you're

Joshua's dark eyes flashed with a cold, dangerous glint.