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

at Joshua, only to find him lost in thought, his

mind was elsewhere-caught up on the woman playing violin in the garden that

Rachel said, “I could always try to compose something of my own

you thinking the person playing violin in

was better to lay

mocking smile. "I do have my doubts... After all, you don't have

have the

desperate to find her. All his investigations pointed

in the garden at the right

even found witnesses who confirmed she'd been there, practicing "Moonlight"

he confronted her,

how could there still be

really be such coincidences

was 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

easy smile. "I was only joking. Did you really take me

smile. "No, I just... I worry.

eyes flashed with a cold, dangerous glint.