The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 353

The Williams family was one of the most prominent old-money dynasties in Solmaris, their influence and resources truly formidable.

The current head of the family, Skyler Williams—Stella’s biological father—had three sons and a daughter.

The two younger sons were twins.

According to Skyler’s public statement, Mrs. Williams had died in childbirth when their youngest daughter, Aurora, was born.

Since his wife’s passing, Skyler had never remarried. He was never seen with another woman at his side.

People often spoke of Skyler’s unwavering devotion to his late wife.

Even Neville believed as much.

He’d witnessed firsthand how women threw themselves at Skyler, only to be coldly rebuffed every time.

Neville had met all four of the Williams children on multiple occasions.

Skyler had raised them well—poised, articulate, and impressive in both appearance and manners.

Thinking of this, Neville glanced at Stella, his gaze sharpening slightly.

Stella didn’t really resemble the rest of the Williams family.

Skyler’s other three children, on the other hand, bore a striking resemblance to him—anyone could tell at a glance they were his flesh and blood.

No one ever questioned Aurora’s place in the family.

As for Stella, people simply assumed she must take after her mother.

Neville asked, “So, Star, are you planning not to go back to the Williams estate?”

Stella replied coolly, “There’s no real bond between us. They never truly welcomed me, and honestly, I have no interest in forcing my way back in.”

Before her mother died, she’d worried that Stella would be left alone and unprotected. That’s why she’d revealed Stella’s true parentage, hoping she could return to the Williams family and find shelter under her father and brothers’ care.

But after Stella went back, she found herself met with suspicion and guardedness at every turn.

Those so-called brothers of hers treated Aurora like she was the center of their universe, as if Stella might steal everything from their precious little sister.

Aurora’s standing could be threatened as well.

The stigma of being an illegitimate child could follow Stella all her life, becoming a permanent stain.

It was no wonder Aurora—or rather, those protecting her—would want to keep Stella away.

Abby chimed in, turning to Stella. “Star, the O’Brien family keeps using your academic records to stir up trouble. Rachel’s been lording it over everyone ever since. Now that you’re in the spotlight, they’ll definitely use this to attack you.”

“Star, you really need to figure out the degree situation sooner rather than later.”

Stella rubbed her tired brow. She truly had no desire to deal with the Williams family again. If not for her mother’s dying wish that she try to get along with her so-called father and brothers, she never would have stayed there as long as she did.

…

The next morning, at the local kindergarten.

Marvin was in the music room, practicing his violin.