The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella was momentarily stunned.

"Rachel's hand was ruined?"

Abby turned, a gleeful glint in her eyes. "Yep. No idea who she managed to piss off, but someone really did a number on her just destroyed her hand, just like that. They knew exactly what mattered most to her, and that's what they took away. She'll never play the violin again.

It's all over the headlines. And honestly? No one feels sorry for her. People are saying she had it coming-that it's karma for faking her illness and all the nasty things she's done."

As a violinist herself, Stella knew all too well what it meant to lose both a passion and a career in a single blow. Rachel might not have been as talented as she was, but to be chosen as Mr. Walden's protégé? She was certainly no slouch.

Now, with her hand gone... There wasn't a more cruel revenge imaginable.

Joshua asked quietly, "Is there any hope of recovery?"

Abby shook her head. "She lost her fingers. There's no way. The damage is permanent."

Stella nodded. "I suppose it's only fitting-she's finally paying for everything she's done."

Abby chuckled. "Exactly. She did so many awful things to Star, but hey, we can't just take justice into our own hands."

a while, until a thought

to a while

"Don't tell

shook his head. "No, nothing like that. I

eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What kind

right words. "Let's just say... I

the right

Abby exchanged

drew near, Stella found herself busier than

her

concert was canceled, tickets for Stella's show became nearly impossible to

the concert, Aurora and

bothered with pre-sale tickets. But for people of their standing, getting

the front row From a distance, Simone spotted Joshua sitting among the VIP guests. His striking looks and elegant presence made him Stand out, even in

Joshua, each trying to strike up a conversation and ask for his number. Joshua, as always, turned

ет