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?

"We

for Simone, she didn't even spare Rachel a glance, let

feel awkward.

discuss privately. Could we

her, but still remained

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

didn't press the issue. She took the

I heard Stella is the long-lost daughter of the

wasn't surprising that Rachel knew-Haynes had already learned the

Aurora smiled and nodded.

Stella aren't exactly close. Rumor

composed. "And what are you getting

may not know is that

as she remembered

initiative to greet

Joshua.

everyone in

only spoken

"Even Joshua, Stella's assistant, is with her