The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Joshua handed the bouquet of baby's breath to Stella.

"Congratulations on your victory, Ms. Cameron."

Stella looked at the flowers in his hands. Baby's breath-her favorite. Abby must have told him, she thought.

She accepted the bouquet with a warm smile. "Thank you."

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed down the hall. When Haynes stepped out, the first thing he saw was Stella, beaming as she took the flowers from Joshua. The joy on her face—so bright and genuine-was nothing like the cool indifference she always reserved for him.

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Joshua glanced in Haynes's direction. His eyes fell on the roses in Haynes's hand.

Raising an eyebrow, Joshua said, "Mr. O'Brien, are you here to give Ms. Cameron flowers?"

Haynes's expression was distant and cold. "That's none of your business."

friendly tip, Mr. O'Brien-if you're going to give a lady flowers, you should at least pick the kind she actually likes. Not every

was fussing with the bouquet, her affection for the delicate blossoms obvious. There was nothing fake about

and his

glance, Stella looked up at Joshua. "It's getting

course. Ms. Murphy has already booked

and

but Joshua smoothly

O'Brien, today is an important day for Ms. Cameron. I'd advise you not to

"So if I join them, I ruin the mood, but

her ex-husband now, but no one likes to be reminded of how little they mattered. If you insist on joining us and end up doing something else

steely gaze. "Wouldn't you

feet

Joshua turned and walked

there, watching as Stella's figure faded into the distance. A

Rachel said quietly, coming up beside him. "Ms. Cameron's already left. Let's head back