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."

then said softly, "So... should I call you

chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Yes.

smiled too. "Alright. Thank you again,

had work to get back to, so

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

"Joshua? Is something wrong?"

thick lashes, hiding whatever emotion had flickered in his

cooler than before,

Joshua had already returned to his files, head bowed in apparent

Joshua finished reviewing

in Neville's analysis, oblivious to everything else—including the fact that Joshua had quietly moved to stand

Joshua asked suddenly. Startled, Stella glanced up to find

composure,

voice calm but cool. "His recommendation isn't wrong, but it's too

a year