The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1010

But Stella couldn't help noticing that Joshua seemed to know quite a lot about these things.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Stella asked, "Joshua, did you use to work in the antiques business or something?"

It would make sense if he had—that would certainly explain his knowledge.

Joshua shook his head. "No, I don't know the first thing about antiques."

"Then why did Abby say you used to restore historical artifacts?" Stella pressed.

Joshua's lips quirked. "I only told her that to put her at ease. If I hadn't, she probably never would've trusted me to restore Nocturne Stella."

Stella blinked in surprise, then let out a laugh.

"Aren't you worried Abby might blame you if you mess it up?"

"Not at all." Joshua's voice was calm and certain.

Stella nodded. For all Abby's fiery temperament, she was sharp enough to know what really mattered when the chips were down. She wouldn't hold it against Joshua.

just as Stella was thinking this, Joshua spoke again

can finish. Nocturne Stella-I'll restore it perfectly. You

as she looked over at

worried, he didn't

was about to ask how he could be so sure, when

You found Nocturne

standing beside her. She

faded into a stony silence. He remembered that period all too well-Abby had come to him for help, and he'd even led a search himself,

Nocturne Stella

Sellers—had been almost unbearable. He'd

to get

her. But Nocturne Stella was one of a kind; every expert he asked just shook their

Stella He imagined Stella keeping it close, where she'd always see it-and maybe, every time

had not only found Nocturne Stella,

carefully chosen gift felt like

a shadow flickering

three continued weaving through