The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella didn't disappoint Mr. Burton in the slightest. She carried herself with poise and grace, her manners impeccable-never overstepping, never shrinking back.

The guests couldn't stop praising her, showering Mr. Burton with compliments for his discerning eye.

Mr. Burton, ever the mischievous old soul, soaked up every word, his smile growing wider with each flattery.

It quickly became clear to everyone that he adored hearing such praise,

especially when it came to his knack for finding talent and Stella's remarkable qualities.

In no time at all, Stella was being lauded to the heavens.

For her, this was an entirely new experience.

Neither the Williams family nor the O'Brien family had ever included her in gatherings like this.

The O'Briens considered her an embarrassment, someone who couldn't be seen in polite society, and they rarely allowed her to attend any formal events.

The Williams family, on the other hand, always used her youth and supposed lack of refinement as an excuse to keep her away from social occasions.

Her identity hadn't been made public, after all—taking her out in public would only invite awkward questions.

Someone, perhaps with an ulterior motive, turned to Mr. Burton and remarked, "Mr. Burton, your protégé is truly exceptional-beauty and talent both. She's every bit the equal of Aurora, the city's most celebrated debutante."

out

to him. "Of course! My

though some exchanged glances and

the Williams family's pride

Burton's mentorship, to compare

one dared spoil Mr. Burton's good mood. They

a few influential guests, Mr. Burton's gaze settled on a

crept across his

him a knowing

"Alright."

had been biding his time all evening, waiting for the perfect moment to put Jasper and

and Rachel must be panicking right about

Yolande Wilkinson, and Deanna all looked up,

of the

Burton

"Some people just get

Yolande, and Deanna greeted him

"Mr. Burton..."

to begin before Mr. Burton

and Yolande. "You're Jasper's