The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"And the way he just took Stella's side-it's hard not to read into that."

Aurora and Leonard had already gone over it. The odds that Simone's attempt to pose as Joshua's lost love had actually worked were slim.

If it had, there's no way Joshua would've shut Leonard down so ruthlessly.

Aurora didn't doubt Leonard's claim that Joshua had tried to kill him. With Leonard's temperament, he'd never say something like that unless he was absolutely sure.

Simone interjected, "Joshua siding with Stella is just about earning her trust, nothing more. For all we know, he's after the original shares she's holding. The fact that Stella brought him back to the Williams estate with her says everything about how much she trusts him. Otherwise, why would the head of the Gardner family be hanging around Stella?"

She paused, then gave a sharp, derisive laugh. "Or what, you think he actually likes her? Stella's secondhand goods-divorced, with a kid. Do you really think that's possible?"

Leonard only scoffed. "Don't underestimate Stella. For a woman who's been through a divorce, she's got two men-Neville Connolly and Foreman- completely devoted to her. Even before anyone knew who she really was, she managed to marry Haynes. That should tell you just how skilled she is."

He fixed Simone with a cold, hard look. "Simone, stay away from Joshua. That man's got hidden motives, and you're not equipped to deal with him."

But Simone couldn't hear a word he said. If anything, Leonard's warning only convinced her that he wanted to steal Joshua away from her, all to clear the path for Aurora.

Still, she didn't dare go up against Leonard directly. She knew his personality—he didn't tolerate defiance from anyone. And right now, she didn't have the clout to challenge him.

In a low voice, Simone muttered, "Got it," then turned and left, head down.

By the time the party was over, it was late.

Abby and Joshua were scheduled to accompany Stella out the next day, so Stella arranged for them to stay overnight at the manor.

The Williams estate was sprawling, but not crowded, since extended family didn't live there and many rooms were left empty.

As Stella led them down the hallway toward their rooms, Abby handed Stella a small gift.noveldrama

"Star, this is for you," Abby said.

Unlike Haynes or Neville, who could hand out extravagant business contracts as gifts, Abby could only offer something simple. She'd made Stella a hand-woven crystal bracelet herself.

After years of friendship, Abby knew Stella's taste perfectly.

Stella took the bracelet, her eyes lighting up with delight. "Thank you."

Joshua followed behind, quietly carrying the bags of gifts everyone had brought for Stella.

Abby glanced back at Stella. "Star, Joshua's got something special for you too."

It seemed like everyone had given Stella a gift-everyone except Joshua.

Stella turned to him. "What is it?"

Abby just smiled mysteriously. "You'll see. It's already waiting in your room."

Stella's

shot Joshua a look, but his elegant, pale face betrayed no emotion.

osity was piqued. She t belongs to Shanet

A quick turn down the hall brought them to Stella's bedroom door.

With mounting curiosity, Stella pushed open the door.

The first thing she saw was a violin resting on the sofa in the sitting area.

The sparkling crystal chandelier cast a shower of light across the room, making the violin's polished

r and glow. Contem

Stella's eyes widened, her pupils contracting.

Nocturne Stella!

It was the real Nocturne Stella.

belongs