The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 531

Everyone in their social circle knew how deeply Skyler cared for Mrs. Williams. If not, he wouldn't have stayed single all these years.

Of course, people loved to gossip. The upper crust was always swirling with rumors and scandals-Mr. Burton, for one, never put much stock in tales of unwavering devotion. He'd seen enough to know "faithful lovers" were usually just playing a part.

So, hearing Skyler might have an illegitimate daughter didn't really shock anyone.

Skyler opened his mouth as if to explain, but the words caught in his throat. Silence settled, and his hesitation seemed almost like tacit admission.

At that moment, Stella spoke up. "Mr. Burton, I'm not a Williams by blood. My last name is Cameron, not Williams."

Jonathan's tone was heavy as he cut in. "Raven, don't be difficult."

Stella turned to him, her gaze steady. "I'm not being difficult. I'm simply telling the truth. Or do you mean to say..." She paused, an inscrutable smile flickering across her face. "Mr. Burton, do you actually think of yourself as an illegitimate child?"

Jonathan's expression darkened instantly. That was the truth, wasn't it? Stella was the illegitimate one. But if that was the case... what did that make him?

He'd spent years resenting his mother for leaving him—she'd never come back, not even once. But his mother was gone now, and she had, in the end, become Mrs. Williams in her own right. That was a fact no one could change.

in Jonathan's mood, his brow furrowing slightly. Finally, he let out a weary

an illegitimate child," Skyler said at

He raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion.

Aurora, who stood quietly, unflinching even as her identity hovered on the verge of exposure. She was as

the daughter he'd carefully raised-bright and capable, never falling short compared to any man. He had high hopes for

but Skyler knew that all the resources in the world meant nothing if she hadn't been clever enough

different emotions. He had

Skyler continued, "Their mother didn't die, actually. She left the family. Raven-” He paused, then clarified for those who might not know Stella's given name. "That's Stella. She was

mother left us."

the

to shield Aurora, to keep anyone

sudden understanding. "So Stella isn't your illegitimate

right." Skyler nodded. “But I didn't know about her at the time I only learned of Stella's existence a few years ago. After I brought her into the family, we had some... disagreements. Stella left

nothing, either.

intention of adding to

"And what about what Stella mentioned earlier?