The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Keen actually wanted her gone too.

She felt like an outcast-unwelcome wherever she went.

Joshua, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke up with a smile. "Ms. Pearce, if you need a place to rest, there's a lounge upstairs. Ms. Williams and Miss Lerman are there as well. You could go say hello."

Aurora and Simone?

Honestly, Rachel had always hoped to get to know them, but never found the right opportunity. She'd heard from Joshua that Stella and Aurora weren't on good terms. Supposedly, Stella had been thrown out of her family for stealing Aurora's fiancé.

If she could get Aurora on her side...

Rachel's heart skipped with excitement.

Joshua really was her secret weapon-so much more reliable than Jasper.

"Thank you for the tip," Rachel said, "I'll head up now."

She made her way to the second-floor lounge. Sure enough, Aurora and Simone were chatting quietly on a sofa tucked away in the corner.

Rachel approached them. "Ms. Williams, Miss Lerman-hello."

Aurora glanced up at her. "Ms. Pearce. What a coincidence."

you two here for the party as well? Oh, did you see Keen and the others

"We

for Simone,

Rachel didn't feel awkward. She glanced around, then lowered

something I'd like to discuss privately. Could we step outside

at her, but still remained

something to say, Ms. Pearce, you can say it here. Simone and I don't keep

didn't press the issue. She took the seat

Stella is the long-lost

that Rachel knew-Haynes had already

Aurora smiled and nodded.

you and Stella aren't exactly close. Rumor has it Stella even

what are you getting at, Ms.

slightly. "What you may not know is that Stella only managed to marry Haynes

flickered as she

initiative to greet

Joshua.

of everyone in

she'd only

slyly. "Even Joshua, Stella's assistant,