The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Marvin cheered enthusiastically. "Yes! Let's celebrate Stella taking first place!"

Stella hadn't seen Marvin in quite a while. Smiling at him, she said, "The next round isn't for another three days. I'm free until then-why don't you come stay with me for a few days?"

Marvin's eyes lit up instantly, and he almost blurted out his agreement on the spot. But then something seemed to occur to him, and he hesitated.

"You have to prepare for the concert and the competition," he said, uncertainty flickering across his face. "Are you sure I won't interrupt your practice if I stay with you?"

Stella shook her head, still smiling. "Not at all."

Abby chimed in from the side, "A little break is good for you-work and rest in balance, right?"

Antoney nodded in agreement. "You've been working nonstop lately, Star. You definitely deserve a couple days off."

That was exactly what Stella had in mind. She wanted to make the most of her free time while she still had it-and show Marvin a little fun before things got even busier.

She leaned down to Marvin, her voice gentle. "How about it, Marvin? Tomorrow, Aunt Stella will take you to the amusement park. Sound good?"

Marvin's eyes practically sparkled. "Yes, please!"

the dining room, settling in for dinner. After they'd taken their seats, Abby glanced around and suddenly asked, "Star, where's Joshua today? Why didn't

he needed to take care of, so he asked

"It's pretty late. He must be finished by now, right? I'll give him

dialed Joshua. The call was brief; Abby hung up with a smile.

spoke up unexpectedly. "Star, has he

to the hospital several times.

expression serious. “If he never recovers his

off guard. "I haven't really

assumed that Joshua would remember eventually-it

eyes dark with concern. "But we haven't

from around here, after all this time, Neville should have come up with something. The fact that

Stella's expression grew thoughtful.

erased so completely that even Haynes

uncover it.

so, whoever was behind him might be just as powerful as the Williams

remembered something. "By the way, Star, did you sort out your academic

did the Williams