The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 535

Skyler couldn't find the words at first.

After a long pause, he finally sighed. "Alright, you can call yourself whatever you want. I won't argue with you about that anymore.

The reason I came here today was to ask you to come home. Raven-Star-what happened before, I was too rash. I owe you an apology, and I hope you won't hold it against me."

That was one thing about Skyler-he knew when to bend and when to stand firm. If he hadn't, Stella's mother would never have relented so many times when he tried to make peace.

Stella's expression remained unreadable. "I accept your apology. But I have my own life now, and I don't want to go back. I hope you'll cooperate with the paperwork for the name change."

Skyler tried again, "Star, please, don't be stubborn. I know life hasn't been easy for you these past years. The O'Briens didn't know your worth-they had the nerve to mistreat my daughter. Star, I'll stand up for you if you want me to."

Stella shook her head. "That's not necessary. I'm an adult. I can handle my own problems. If there's nothing else, I'll be going."

Skyler wanted to say more, but Jonathan gently stopped him, shaking his head. "Dad, Stella's still upset. Let's give her some time to cool off."

Skyler's voice was heavy. "But if she agrees to let the Watsons adopt her..."

she agreed to their adoption, it would mean choosing their side over ours. The Williams family has never wronged her. After she came back, she never lacked for anything. And you were never as strict with her as you were with Aurora. What happened between her and Sherman at the party would have been humiliating for any family, not just ours. Besides, you gave her a choice. She has no reason to resent you for that. No matter what happens,

let out a heavy sigh. "I hope you're

...

leaving Skyler, Stella didn't go to see Nicolle right away.

free right now? I need to

already knew that Mr. Burton had called her away, and he'd seen Nicolle at the concert earlier. He could guess that Stella had

he replied, "I'll be in the

gazebo, shoulders slumped, his whole face clouded with gloom. He'd worn that look

him. "I ran into

away the shadows in his eyes. "What did he

her head. "Mr. Watson wants to adopt me and he offered

stared at her, stunned. "You're sure he didn't try to intimidate you? Star, promise me you're not hiding

met

looked out at the peaceful garden, her voice calm. "We grew up together you know what kind person

instead of speaking up?"