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..."

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

out a heavy sigh. "I

...

see Nicolle right

now?

and he'd seen Nicolle at the concert earlier. He could guess that

he replied, "I'll be in

sitting on a bench in the gazebo, shoulders slumped, his whole face clouded with gloom. He'd worn that look for weeks now, and until she'd met Nicolle, Stella hadn't

beside him. "I ran into Mr. Watson just

head snapped up, a sharp glint chasing away the shadows in his eyes. "What

to adopt me and he offered

didn't try to intimidate you? Star, promise me you're not hiding

met

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

instead of speaking up?"