The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's eyes fell on Joshua's shirt, noticing a streak of what looked like spilled soda staining the crisp fabric.

When she glanced across the room, she spotted three trust-fund kids standing opposite Joshua, and it didn't take long for her to piece together what had just happened-Joshua had clearly run into some trouble.

Honestly, Stella wasn't the least bit surprised.

This was the kind of exclusive club where the line between the wealthy and everyone else was glaringly obvious. Joshua's outfit had been picked out by Abby Murphy-not the cheapest thing on the rack, but definitely not designer or custom-tailored. Just ordinary clothes fit for an average young man.

Meanwhile, everyone else in here-the heirs and heiresses of old money-wore suits and dresses that cost more than most people's yearly salaries. Some of them probably spent six figures on a single outfit. Kids raised in these circles developed a sharp eye for social status, and they could spot an outsider from a

mile away.

Joshua was strikingly handsome, which hadn't escaped the notice of several young women in the club. Stella had seen more than a few of them sneaking glances at him earlier. In fact, when she'd been picking out a horse, someone had even tried to get his number.

Jealousy was inevitable.

Now, the three rich boys looked wary, clearly intimidated by Simone's presence. They exchanged nervous glances, then, without protest or excuses, started to apologize.

"Sorry about that."

"We apologize."

we didn't mean

to Joshua, her voice cool but polite. "Mr.

she was more than willing to escalate things further on his

nodded. "That's

Simone turn back to the trio, her beautiful face frosted with disdain. "Joshua's kind enough to let this go, but don't think that means I will. As of today,

eagerly, almost tripping over themselves to agree. "Of course, Miss Lerman.

off. "Go on,

brightened as she turned back to Joshua. “Let's exchange numbers and add each other as friends. If

her

Instead, he offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Miss Lerman, but I already owe you a favor. I wouldn't want to

more reason for us to be

a moment, then accepted her

away, her satisfaction clear. Then, as if remembering something, she asked, "Joshua, are you still working as Ms. Cameron's assistant?

understood what

eye.

it for a

out better opportunities, and if Joshua had found one, she wasn't about to stand in his way. Working