The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 597

Stella had asked Neville for a favor and managed to get a few tickets to the upcoming auction.

This auction was nothing special-it was easy enough to get in, and most of the items up for bid were calligraphy and paintings. Nothing like the last time, when the auction was full of rare and exotic treasures.

This time, along with Stella, Abby, and Neville, even Antoney, Candida, and Joshua had come along for the experience. Candida, who had never attended an auction before, was practically buzzing with excitement.

Antoney, seated to Stella's left, leaned in. "Star, is your painting really going up for auction tonight?”

Stella nodded. "I'm pretty sure it is."

Abby's voice was tinged with guilt. "Star, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me needing to raise money, you wouldn't have had to sell your painting."

minored in art. Her musical talent was undeniable, but she was just as gifted with a paintbrush. Nora had raised her to be a real lady-music, chess, painting, literature-Stella excelled

as a minor. Stella had chosen it, more to nurture her soul than as

hadn't sold my paintings, I never would

"I did a little digging. Turns out, your paintings are each worth at

they had, leaving themselves just enough to get by. As an art student, living in Solmaris wasn't cheap. Stella had cut ties with the Williams family and was renting a place on her own.

she considered good enough to show the

first piece sold for

penny to help Abby, making his own situation pretty tight. So, one by one, Stella Sold all her paintings, just enough

to buy her own apartment, with a decent

kindness. She was always there for Stella when she needed support, and when Antoney wanted to strike out on his own, Abby helped him find a studio

revealed the value of Stella's paintings, all three-Stella, Abby, and Antoney-turned

barely above a whisper. "Mr. Connolly, did you say Star's paintings are