The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 503

Keen’s heart raced as he watched a crowd gather around his mother, voices rising as if they meant to throw her out. He couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Mom,” he blurted out, “if you just apologize to Rachel about what happened last time, Dad will help you.”

A few weeks ago, Rachel had landed in the hospital again after falling into the lake.

When Keen went to visit her, Mr. Wilkinson pulled him aside, saying that his mother had pushed Rachel into the water in front of everyone. Keen had asked his father if it was true, and he hadn’t denied it.

Now, seeing his mother surrounded like this, Keen could only assume his father was still angry about the incident—and refusing to help her because of it.

But when Stella looked at him, her gaze was so calm and penetrating that Keen suddenly felt uneasy.

“There’s no need,” Stella replied quietly.

Her answer made Haynes’s dark eyes grow even colder, his handsome features tightening into a scowl.

All she’d need to do was tell the manager she was Keen’s mother—explain she was here for her child—and he’d step in, call off the crowd, and resolve everything. But Stella said nothing.

“Star! There you are—I’ve been looking everywhere—Oh, isn’t this Mr. O’Brien?”

A tall, striking man strode over, his sharp gaze flicking over the group. For a moment, something sly flashed in his eyes.

“Evening, everyone. What a coincidence.”

No one seemed surprised to see Neville Connolly among them. The Connollys weren’t at the very top of society, but they were solidly among the elite; an invitation for him wasn’t out of the ordinary.

The manager clearly recognized Neville and immediately straightened, greeting him with respect. “Mr. Connolly.”

Neville’s expression shifted just slightly. “What’s going on here?”

The manager spoke in a low voice. “Someone said this lady slipped into the party without an invitation… Mr. Connolly, you know the family’s rules.”

Neville smiled. “She’s my guest.”

Stella shook her head. “No, thanks.”

The show would start soon; she had no desire to stand around arguing.

Neville’s gaze swept over the group, lingering at last on Deanna, who stood nearby, looking at Stella with open disdain. Deanna had always sneered at Stella’s modest background.

If only she knew the truth about Stella’s family—and that she’d caught the eye of Mr. Burton. That would be a sight to see.

Of everyone here, only Neville knew Mr. Burton’s real identity.

To Stella and the others, tonight’s show was just another charity performance. But Neville knew just how important it really was.

Mr. Burton was here for Stella’s sake. He’d even invited Mr. Walden to attend.

If Stella had what it took, she’d seize this chance to put Mr. Walden in his place—and finally prove herself to everyone.