The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Abby didn't hold anything back from Stella. She recounted everything that had happened, detail for detail.

She said, "Sure, Harry's made a lot of enemies, but honestly, this whole thing feels a little too convenient. And... with Joshua's skills, pulling something like this off wouldn't even be that much of a stretch."

The more Abby got to know Joshua, the more she realized how unfathomable he was. He seemed good at just about everything, as if there was nothing he couldn't master. If someone told her outright Joshua was behind it all, she wouldn't be the least bit surprised.

Stella's eyes narrowed slightly at Abby's words. She set down her cup and replied coolly, "Harry's destroyed the careers of so many brilliant young violinists. In the end, he got what he deserved. I'm sure there are plenty more people celebrating than mourning him."

Abby blinked, taken aback by Stella's frankness. "Don't you think Joshua was a bit ruthless?" she asked. Truthfully, Abby herself didn't mind; it just wasn't in her nature to be bothered by such things. But Stella, with her gentle heart, always struck Abby as someone easily moved to compassion-she was curious what Stella really thought of Joshua now.

said, "then he did everyone a favor. He rid the music world of a menace. That's something good in my book. I'm a goodwill ambassador—too many eyes on me to get involved in things like this personally." She paused, then smiled. "Harry was talented, sure, but without him around, more gifted musicians will finally get their chance. And who knows? Maybe they'll achieve even more than Harry ever did. I've always believed that tough rivals shouldn't be crushed-they should motivate us to become better. As long as you're strong enough, why fear new talent? And if, someday, someone truly exceptional comes along-someone no one can ever

a little stunned. "Star, you've

"Do you think it's for

to be too kind, too soft-hearted. That's how Rachel managed

Stella replied. "I like myself better

the tall, slender figure standing quietly outside the door. Joshua lingered in the shadows, his face unreadable. After a moment, instead

Connolly heard you beat Harry. He barely slept for three days straight, working nonstop to wrap things up abroad. He's flying

over for a second,

teasing smile. "Star,