The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 513

As Stella’s performance ended, a hush fell over the hall, lasting just a few heartbeats.

Then, someone—no one could say who—began to applaud. In an instant, the entire room erupted in thunderous applause, echoing off the high ceilings.

Those who understood music could tell just how flawless this performance had been. Yet even those who knew nothing about violin found themselves deeply moved by the melody, offering their applause without hesitation.

This rendition of “Moonlight” had brought the evening to its dazzling peak.

Stella’s playing was unlike anything the other performers had offered; her music seemed to shimmer with life. Even the uninitiated could appreciate its beauty.

It was nothing like those lifeless, dreary recitals people so often endured.

From her seat in the audience, Florrie let out a breathless exclamation. “She’s incredible! Even I, who knows nothing about the violin, feel like listening to her is pure joy. She and my brother look like a perfect match up there!”

She shook her head in wonder. “No wonder Antoney doesn’t want to come home. If I were him…I wouldn’t want to leave either.”

Florrie had already learned from Nicolle that the woman on stage was her brother Antoney’s protégé.

She knew, now, that Stella was a major reason why Antoney refused to return home.

Nicolle shot Florrie a warning glare, her eyes sharp with disapproval.

Catching her father’s look, Florrie lowered her voice, muttering, “But she really is beautiful, and she has such a unique presence… Even among the socialites I know, she’s easily one of the most striking.”

Nicolle gave a dismissive snort. “Socialites? With your lack of refinement, do you really consider yourself one?”

Nicolle’s eyes flashed with anger. “Do you think I’m that foolish?”

The truth was, Antoney’s biological mother had never been as capable as Stella’s. She was an ordinary woman with limited means, always hiding from Nicolle’s ex-wife, scraping by in near poverty. After her death, Antoney, still just a boy, survived on meager community support.

If Stella’s mother hadn’t stepped in, Antoney would have dropped out of school to work long ago. Even if Nicolle had eventually found him, his son’s prospects would have been bleak.

In many ways, Stella’s mother was a savior to the Watson family.

Now that she was gone, they owed it to her memory to treat her daughter with kindness.

After a moment’s thought, Nicolle said, “Go and befriend Stella. Her mother once helped Antoney, and as a token of gratitude, the Watsons can acknowledge her as family—a foster daughter, if she’s willing.”