The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

In the end, Skyler was provoked beyond reason and thrown out of the house.

Stella's lashes trembled violently.

A sharp, icy light flickered in her eyes. "Where did you hear all this?"

Leonard looked down at her, his gaze unreadable. "Why? Curious about who did it? Planning to team up with your ex-husband or your latest admirer to get revenge?"

Stella replied coolly, "I just thought I should remind you, Mr. Lerman. Just because someone tells you something doesn't make it true."

Leonard arched an eyebrow. "Are you trying to suggest Aurora's lying to me?"

Stella met his gaze. "Aurora? Mr. Lerman, I never once said Aurora was the one who told you."

She doubted Aurora would ever have said such things to him. Not that Aurora was too virtuous-hardly that but because it would be all too easy to expose her.

Outsiders might not know the truth, but Skyler knew the whole story from start to finish. If he found out about all this through Leonard, what would he think of Aurora?

Other than Aurora, no one would have gone so far to smear Nora's name. While this might not shatter the bond between father and daughter, it would certainly drive a wedge between them and Aurora.

Of course, Leonard wasn't a fool. He might say these things to Stella's face, but he'd never say them in front of Skyler.

After all, he'd only learned about this years ago-by accident-overhearing a conversation between Aurora and her uncle. He had no idea if it was even true.

her, exuding authority. “What's this? Trying

“Would you only be satisfied

Leonard fell silent.

studied Stella intently for a

his words

He thought Stella was simply too

self.

ordinary woman,

situation, would be hurling

tear away Aurora's "mask." But Stella hadn't said a single bad word about her. That made her all the

a mind as sharp as a

woman

Nocturne Stella violin in his hand

hit the hardwood

clenched at

Nocturne Stella was her

she never brought it out except for the most important occasions. Whenever she handled it, she was careful, treating it as if it

to the ground as

fists tightened at her sides. She stared helplessly at the violin on the floor,

had been