The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella didn't react, her expression unreadable as she walked away.

Only when they'd left Haynes's line of sight did she finally break her silence and apologize.

"Joshua, I'm sorry you had to put up with that."

Joshua gave a small shrug. "Honestly, it's all part of the job. Ms. Murphy once told me, back when she was an agent, she dealt with far worse. Compared to her stories, today was nothing."

Stella glanced at him, a touch of admiration in her eyes. "You've got a great attitude."

He chuckled. "No one ever said making money was easy. And Ms. Cameron, you pay me well every month. I don't have much else going on, so I like to give it my best-prove I'm worth every penny."

Stella found herself genuinely appreciating Joshua's cheerful resilience.

"If he gives you any more trouble, you tell me right away," she said. "Don't worry, I won't let him push you around."

Joshua nodded. "Thank you, Ms. Cameron. I trust you."

They had just reached the riding arena when a burst of applause and excited voices rippled through the air.

"That was amazing! Haven't seen anyone shoot from horseback like that in ages!" "She's gorgeous. Is she some kind of celebrity?"

not a celebrity-she's the eldest daughter of the Williams family. Way

Williams astride a sleek chestnut horse, bow raised. In one smooth motion, Aurora loosed an arrow at

Thwack!

Dead center.

of gasps and

up across from Aurora had an arrow

a ponytail. Sunlight spilled across her face, giving her an ethereal glow-she looked like a goddess out

magnetic presence. It wasn't

clapped with all her might, her delicate little face lit up with

"Auntie Aurora is incredible!"

expression tight. Next to Aurora's dazzling display, Rachel felt like a withered leaf, utterly invisible. No one seemed to notice

The gap between them

to Stella, Rachel had never felt this overshadowed. But right now, something unfamiliar

felt this way

then-some people were simply born to shine, gifted in ways others could never

seemed unfazed by the envious, admiring, and adoring looks thrown her way.

rhythmic

echoed across

arrows shot through the air