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."

mean

they'd finished their chorus of apologies, Simone turned to Joshua, her voice cool but polite. "Mr.

he wasn't, she was more than willing

nodded. "That's enough. Thank

trio, her beautiful face frosted with disdain. "Joshua's kind enough to let this go, but don't think

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

waved them off. "Go

scurried away, Simone's demeanor brightened as she turned back to Joshua. “Let's exchange numbers and add each other as friends. If you run into any more

her phone to

away. Instead, he offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Miss Lerman, but I already owe

"If you don't want to owe me, then all the more reason for us to be friends-how else are you

a moment, then accepted her phone and entered his

away, her satisfaction clear. Then, as if remembering something, she asked, "Joshua, are you still working as Ms. Cameron's assistant? Have you ever considered working for me instead? I could triple

understood what

eye.

thought about it

After all, everyone seeks out better opportunities, and if Joshua had found one, she