The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella opened her inbox and, just as she expected, found Neville's meticulously annotated report waiting for her.

He'd thoroughly analyzed the three companies she'd singled out, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in detail. Even the other firms she'd dismissed

received careful scrutiny; Neville had listed their pros and cons as well.

The language was clear and approachable, free of jargon-a thoughtful gesture, considering she was just starting out in this field.

It was obvious how much care he'd put into it.

Not much time had passed since she'd first reached out for his help. Neville must have dropped everything the moment he got her call, just to do this for her.

A gentle warmth bloomed in Stella's chest. "Mr. Connolly, thank you so much for this."

Neville's deep, smooth voice suddenly softened, almost teasing.

"Star, we've known each other for quite a while now-wouldn't you say we're pretty good friends? You call Foreman Richards by his first name, and you never hesitate to call Joshua just 'Joshua.' But me? You've always stuck with 'Mr. Connolly.' Are you really so formal with me, Star? Are we still strangers?"

Stella hesitated. "I guess I just got used to it. It's a habit."

softly, "So... should

chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Yes. From now on, just call

"Alright. Thank

get back to,

had stopped poring over his paperwork at some point. Now, he sat perfectly still, watching Stella with that dark, fathomless gaze of his eyes so deep they reminded her of an ancient well, their intensity

his eyes. It froze on her lips,

"Joshua? Is something wrong?"

lowered his thick lashes, hiding whatever

tone was noticeably cooler than before,

wanted to ask more, but Joshua had already returned to his files, head bowed in apparent

ten minutes later, Joshua finished

to everything else—including the

Stella glanced up to find him looking

composure,

the screen and nodded, his voice calm but cool. "His recommendation

within a year