The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Rachel hissed, "She must've picked up the keepsake herself! Joshua, don't believe a word of her lies!"

If Joshua didn't take her side, she was as good as finished. Right now, he was her only hope.

Joshua replied, "That's possible, but I need to look into it. In the meantime, let's not be in touch. If I was wrong about you, I'll make it up to you later.”

Rachel tried to protest, but Joshua had already hung up.

Staring at her phone screen, Rachel ground her teeth in frustration. If Simone hadn't ruined her plan, she'd have faked her pregnancy, and with Joshua's help, maybe she could've married into the Haynes family by now. But Simone had thrown a wrench into everything, and all her efforts had gone to waste.

What if... what if Simone disappeared? Wouldn't that clear the way for her?

As the thought took hold, Rachel's eyes darkened with a chilling resolve. Hiding in the shadows like a rat, living in constant fear-she'd rather go out in a blaze than cower forever. If she could get Joshua's full support, even a risky move might be worth it. Once Joshua was convinced she was his one true love, he'd do anything to protect her.

---

arrived for Stella to start her job at The Williams Group. It

didn't let it shake her. She could always wear a wig for now, and if she wanted, get her brows restored. As for her hand... she hardly cared. Even if she lost it entirely, it wouldn't crush her spirit. Her beauty and her talents were just tools-means to an end.

day, Skyler gathered the Williams

all my children,"

tone firm but fair. "I've always said there's no favoritism here-no sons above daughters. The capable ones rise.

as compensation. That was agreed upon long

shot Stella a warning glance.

produced a document. "Here's the ten

the papers without hesitation.

before she returned to the family. Now that she was back, Skyler was determined to keep his word, both as a father and a man of principle. The rest of

awhile, ne one raised