The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 539

Florrie's face fell the moment she heard the answer, disappointment written all over her features.

But she bounced back quickly and pressed on, "Is it because my dad changed his mind, or did he make things difficult for you? Did he threaten you? Tell me, and I'll help you figure something out."

Stella looked at the girl's eager expression and asked, "Do you really want me to join the Watson family that much?"

"Of course!" Florrie nodded, completely candid. "If you come back to the Watsons, my dad will finally stop keeping such a close eye on me."

Stella was puzzled. "Why is Mr. Watson watching you so closely?"

Florrie looked a little embarrassed. "Honestly, I'm just useless at everything. I eat too much, I'm lazy, and my grades are a disaster-I'm always at the bottom of the class. Dad's such a perfectionist, he's always pushing me to improve. Music lessons, painting, etiquette classes-I can barely keep up with those. But lately, he's even started making me learn business. The moment the teacher starts talking about stocks and markets, I start nodding off. And Dad quizzes me all the time! If I fail, he deducts my allowance."

She pulled a face, clearly exasperated. "My pocket money gets wiped out every month. It's miserable! If you join the Watson family, maybe you could take some of the pressure off me..."

Stella couldn't help but smile at Florrie's candid confession.

nothing if

not worried," Stella teased, "that if I come back to the Watson family, I'll compete with you for

thrive, I don't care about the rest. As long as I have a comfortable life, that's all I want. As for Dad's affection..." She made a face, half-joking, half- serious. "His version of 'affection' is endless lessons and self-improvement. If that's what love means, anyone else can

help laughing. The girl was just too

concert. When he's home, I doubt Mr. Watson will keep putting so much pressure

that I hate

I had siblings, the house wouldn't

empty."

SO

her rattling around inside. She'd always been drawn to noise and laughter, and envied families like the Burtons, who were blessed with a crowd of children. Even the Williams family, though

brothers.

Florrie still had no idea that Stella was, in fact,

the jade bracelet back to her. "Ms. Watson, you should hold on to this

Florrie perked up again. "No need! Whether you join the Watson family or not, it's a welcome gift