The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella only found out about it when Jonathan Williams called her.

His voice over the phone was cold as ice.

"Father wants you to come home. Right now."

Stella immediately sensed something was wrong. "What's happened?"

Jonathan almost laughed, a sharp, bitter sound.

"You mean you don't know?"

She frowned, not liking his tone.

"No, I don't."

His voice grew even colder. "It's all over the internet, and you really have no

idea?"

The edge in his words was starting to grate on her nerves. "Whatever's blowing

up online, what's it got to do with me?"

He snorted. "Stella, I never realized what a great actress you are."

She was done playing games. Without another word, Stella hung up.

Jonathan stared at the blank screen in disbelief. He called again, only to have

Stella reject the call. He tried a few more times, but she simply blocked his

number.

A few minutes later, her phone lit up again. This time the caller ID read: Haynes

O'Brien.

hesitated, then picked

Haynes asked, concern in

replied. "What's going

clearly surprised she was still in the dark.

didn't try to be cryptic-he told her everything straight

birth is all over the news now.

on Mr. Williams, your

his youth is making the rounds

Right now, everyone's

expense."

tone was neutral, almost professional, as if

understood why Jonathan

this wasn't your

me. I just

enough for Haynes-he never

next words

puts you in a

you, the Williams

it on

your

let it slide."

Stella replied, her voice steady. "I

I'll call you

have Benson

and send

Haynes said. "No point

time searching for

yourself."

was quiet for a moment. "Thank you. I appreciate

they hung

avalanche of online gossip, her heart

secrets-everything they'd tried to keep

now sprawled out in the harsh light of day,