The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She could never play the violin again. The whole world had all but abandoned her, while Stella stood center stage, dazzling beneath the lights. How could Rachel not hate her?

All around her, people were murmuring, not just singing Stella's praises, but openly comparing the two of them.

"Bet Mr. Walden's eating his heart out now, huh? Took on Rachel as his last pupil when he was practically blind-nearly ruined his whole career in the process."

"What was Mr. Walden even thinking? Ignored Stella-the prodigy of the century -just to pick up Rachel, that compulsive liar?"

"Maybe Mr. Walden's just like Rachel, you know? Look at his protégé, Harry, and you'll understand exactly what kind of man he is."

"I heard Stella was even Haynes's ex-wife. Can you believe that? He let a woman that brilliant and beautiful walk away, just to fool around with Rachel. Must've lost his mind."

"What do you know? To a jerk like Haynes, anything forbidden looks appealing."

"Divorced Stella for a fraud like Rachel? Haynes has to be regretting his choices now."

Rachel bit down hard on her lower lip, fury boiling inside her. She wanted nothing more than to storm the stage and tear Stella apart with her bare hands.

entire world-her mind had

simply couldn't stand to see anyone else living better than

she hadn't noticed something was wrong when Simone's people came for her, if she hadn't sent that desperate message to Jasper Wilkinson and been rescued just in time, her face would be nothing but a scarred ruin

Stella. She hated Haynes. She hated Walden.

all,

born with everything, could strike at her in broad daylight, while Rachel was left to plot and

Rachel would make sure Simone suffered

glanced down at the small bottle she clutched in her hand.

Then Rachel

family's reach

stay in Neo-Vespera forever,

...

so than she'd ever dared to hope. Even

applause faded and the stage lights dimmed, Stella couldn't resist hugging Abby Murphy, who'd

know it's been rough on you lately. Thank you

friends, and besides, it's not like you