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.

The same man who was infamous for his wild temper and hair-trigger

seemed to notice Rachel's astonishment; Haynes and Foreman

his lips into a thin line,

at his sides, a shadow flickering

be difficult. The

Haynes, something sly crossing

a plan formed in

*

moments earlier, the

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

to the

quietly, lost in her thoughts. Of all

Keen and

then slipped away

Stella scanned the crowd, her

to Haynes.

still hounded him -his phone

realized Keen was missing, and his

looked to Rachel.

looked bewildered. "I have no idea. I haven't seen

back her anger. "Haynes, Keen is your son.

the one watching him,