The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella tumbled straight into a strong pair of arms.

Even though Joshua reacted quickly, the waiter's tray still tipped, and a splash of wine spilled across Stella's gown.

The waiter's face went pale. He bowed repeatedly, stammering apologies.

"I'm so sorry, Ms. Cameron. I really didn't mean it! Please don't be upset— please..."

Stella's appearance had already drawn attention, but now, with the accident, more and more people were gathering, curious eyes turning their way.

"What's going on? Why's there a crowd over here?"

"It's nothing big. The waiter just spilled some wine on Stella's dress."

"Such a little thing, and yet everyone's watching. Is Stella giving the poor guy a hard time?"

"Tch, look at that—just a few days as a society darling, and now she's throwing her weight around? Guess a girl from nowhere can't keep it classy."

"Don't start rumors. The spill just happened, and Stella hasn't even said she'll make an issue of it."

It was a minor mishap, yet somehow it had become the center of everyone's attention.

Joshua's eyes narrowed, his gaze turning dark and unreadable. He kept his arm securely around Stella, shielding her from the crowd. He didn't seem bothered, but Haynes, watching from nearby, found the situation increasingly irritating.

over and, with a firm hand, drew

and

young waitress, teary-eyed and trembling, stood off to the

your dress... I—I'll clean it for you and return it as good

pay for the gown-someone like Stella probably wore dresses worth more than she

a scene

can take care

sniffled. "Ms.

e'

where the dressing room

can change

me to

walk around in a drea drenched

you, that

the crowd

but Foreman-who'd been standing

change. Don't you think it's a little

Stella turned in surprise.

I didn't know you

gave a calm