The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Foreman had spoken up for Stella more than once, which made both Jasper and Haynes label him the "nice guy" of the group.

But something about it always felt off to Rachel. Now she finally understood why.

"Joshua, did you hear anything else?" Rachel asked. "Is Stella planning something against me?"

Joshua glanced at her. "I haven't heard her mention anything of the sort. Honestly,

it seems like she's pouring all her energy into organizing the concert."

In other words, Stella hadn't even bothered to spare Rachel a thought.

Rachel had clearly overestimated her own importance.

To Stella, Rachel barely even registered compared to her music.

Rachel's face tightened. "Are you sure, Joshua? Maybe she's plotting behind your back and you just haven't heard?"

Joshua looked down at her from his impressive height. "Rachel, you keep insisting she wants to hurt you, but after all this time, aside from you conveniently getting yourself hurt a few times, she hasn't actually done anything to you."

Even that time someone fell into the lake, it had been Rachel who pushed Stella first.

Rachel had nothing to say to that.

She'd always known Joshua was harder to fool than Jasper.

Now, even Haynes seemed less willing to take her side.noveldrama

Joshua checked his watch. "I have things to do, so I'll be going."

His eyes landed on the burn on Rachel's hand.

"I'll send someone over with ointment for you. Next time, don't be so foolish.

Rachel, don't let me down again."

And with that, Joshua turned and walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, Rachel felt an anxious, hollow ache in her chest.

In an elegant, softly lit restaurant, Stella sat by the window, waiting for Sellers Burton.

There were still five minutes left before their agreed meeting time, but Sellers had yet to arrive.

She'd chosen a perfect spot, overlooking the city's glittering skyline at night.

The restaurant was new, and this was Stella's first visit.

At exactly six o'clock, a tall, lean figure appeared at her table.

Stella looked up into the sharply handsome features of Sellers.

He slid into the seat across from her. "Ms. Cameron, you're early."

Stella's tone was cool. "Arriving ahead of time is just basic courtesy. If something unexpected happens on the way, being late would hardly be polite."

Sellers easily caught the edge in her words.

He replied, equally cool, "True enough. Subordinates should never arrive after

their superiors—showing up early is a sign of respect.”

He was a stickler for punctuality. He was never late, but he never arrived early, either.

After all, given his status, there weren't many people he'd be willing to wait for.

Stella smiled slightly. "Not necessarily Being early or late has nothing to do with status, but with the person. We live in an age where everyone's supposed to be equal-if someone chooses to wait, it's a matter of their own upbringing. And if they don't, it's hardly a crime. Mr. Burton, you're so young-who would've thought you'd have such antiquated ideas? Are you sure you're not living in the past?"

A flicker of annoyance crossed Sellers' eyes.

Sherman had warned him-Stella was sharp-tongued.

He'd barely sat down when his phone buzzed.

It was Mr. Burton. "Sellers, did you give Star the ointment?"

Sellers frowned. "I just got here."

Mr. Burton checked the time, his tone disapproving. "Do you know what time it is? Why are you only getting there now?"

Sellers replied, "I'm not late."

Mr. Burton sounded exasperated. "That's not the point! When you're meeting a woman, you show early, not just on time! No wonder you're still single-with that wooden

head of yours, you'll be alone for life!" sŵnovel