The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

*

Simone asked, "But what if she's better than you?"

Aurora smiled, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Well, if we never compete, how would we ever know?"

Simone couldn't help but glance in Stella's direction.

Aurora was never one to feign modesty or exaggerate another's abilities just to appear humble. If she was willing to make such a comparison, it meant Stella's skill wasn't far off from hers at all.

"Stella's mother was a renowned violinist," Simone added thoughtfully. "It's no wonder Stella's so talented-she's got the pedigree."

At the mention of Stella's mother, Aurora's smile faded a little.

Her father and three older brothers had always kept the truth about her mother's death from her. But a few years ago, her uncle had found her and given her a letter that her mother had left behind.

The memory made Aurora's throat tighten, her chest heavy with longing. She had never met her mother, yet she knew her mother had given up so much for her.

Her mother had traded her very life for Aurora's future.

She couldn't let her down. She wouldn't.

Across the room, Rachel's eyes went wide as she watched Joshua fussing over Stella-pouring her tea, making sure she was comfortable, speaking to her with quiet concern.

She rubbed her eyes, certain she was seeing things.

really Joshua? The same man who was infamous

notice Rachel's astonishment; Haynes and Foreman were both distracted, their attention fixed

a thin line, a cold aura radiating

hands curled into fists at his sides, a shadow

rid of Joshua, it wouldn't be difficult. The trick would be doing

Haynes, something sly

of a plan

*

moments earlier, the sky

clear. But in the blink of an eye, dark clouds rolled in, and

the lounge area

already there, seated quietly, lost in her thoughts. Of all the people who came today, there

and Foreman

then slipped away

scanned the crowd, her brow furrowing when she didn't spot

over to Haynes. "Haynes, where's

still hounded him -his phone hadn't stopped ringing. He ended a call

Keen was

to Rachel.

bewildered. "I have no

bit back her anger. "Haynes, Keen is your son. Don't you

the one watching him,