The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

“Mr. Harry never misses a chance to call someone useless—maybe he's just so experienced at being one himself that he's here to teach the rest of us?"

Stella didn't care what people said about her. Their attacks and insults never bothered her.

But insulting the people she cared about? That was something she couldn't let slide.

Now, after Stella's words, everyone stared at her like she'd lost her mind.

Did she really just talk to Harry like that?

Harry was Father Walden's protégé—a man with serious influence in the music world.

Harry's expression darkened, his lips twisting in a cold smile.

He actually laughed, though his anger was barely concealed. "Stella, don't you want to know why Antoney made that bet with me? It's because-"

Antoney cut him off abruptly. "Enough!"

already told you, if you want me to shut up, get on your knees and beg. If you can't do that, then stay quiet. The fact that

clenched, his knuckles turning

any longer and

to happen, placed a steadying hand

hard, icy stare. "You insulted my mother,

I'm just telling it like it is. She couldn't even compete with me when I was ten, yet over here, you Novaris people worship her like some kind of legend. Says a lot about the level of violinists in this country. Nora was a loser—a real one. At least she had enough self-awareness to die young. If she were

came flying across the table, splashing straight into Harry's

He fell silent, stunned.

To my mother and

okay?” Rachel hurried over, handing him a

a twisted laugh. "And who are you to demand that?" Antoney's face went red with fury. He couldn't

name! Just admit it-so long as she was around, you knew you'd never be more than second

his smile cruel. "So what? She still died sick and

hands trembled

hit him. If it weren't for Stella's competition, he would have done

smirked, his gaze drifting to