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..."

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

let out a heavy

...

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

free right now? I need to talk to

Nicolle at the concert earlier.

be in the back garden. Meet

a bench in the gazebo, shoulders slumped, his whole face clouded with gloom. He'd

him. "I ran into Mr.

a sharp glint chasing away the shadows in his eyes. "What did he

"Mr. Watson wants to adopt me and

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

met

"We grew up together

instead of speaking up?"