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 mood

in thought, his expression

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

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

paused, her gaze steady. "Are you thinking the person playing violin

it was better to lay

her with a faint, almost mocking smile. "I do have my doubts... After all, you don't have the

didn't have the

to find her. All his

the only person in the garden at

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

he confronted her, she

could there still be

there really be such coincidences in

one you're looking for. If you don't believe me, then..so be

ver

her head and

a soft, easy

worry. What if you're searching for the wrong

with a cold, dangerous glint. "The only 'what if' is that you're lying