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."

party as well? Oh, did you

"We

As for Simone, she

Rachel didn't feel awkward. She glanced

like to discuss privately.

at her,

you can

the issue. She took the seat across

I heard Stella is the long-lost

wasn't surprising that Rachel knew-Haynes had already learned the truth about Stella's

Aurora smiled and nodded.

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

what are you getting

that Stella only managed to marry Haynes through some very

she remembered how, last

taken the initiative to greet

Joshua.

everyone

she'd only

smiled slyly. "Even Joshua, Stella's assistant, is with her