The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's hand was still swollen, making violin practice impossible for now.

A few days away from her instrument wouldn't hurt. In fact, it gave her a chance to sit down with Abby and discuss the details of their upcoming concert.

Joshua, however, seemed genuinely crestfallen when he realized Stella wouldn't be playing for the next couple of days.

Abby noticed and grinned. "Is Star's violin really that hypnotic? Can't fall asleep at night without your daily fix?"

She was only teasing, but Joshua nodded with complete seriousness.

"Ms. Cameron's playing has a magic to it—something that soothes the soul. If I go

a day without hearing her play, I simply can't sleep."

Abby blinked, then burst out, "Joshua, you really know how to flatter!"

She'd only meant it as a joke, but with Joshua's twist, it sounded like she'd compared Stella's music to an unforgettable melody that lingered in the mind for days.

Joshua always had a knack for saying the right thing at the right time. Abby found herself liking him more and more-though, of course, not that way.

She said, "I actually have a bunch of Star's recordings. Want them? Listening to those should help you sleep, right?"

Joshua's eyes lit up. "Abby, you're a lifesaver!"

Abby chuckled. "We always look after our own. Joshua, you'd better take good care of Star, too."

Joshua nodded earnestly.

That afternoon, Stella received a phone call from Mr. Burton.

"Star, do you have any free time coming up?"

Seeing his name on her phone, Stella sensed what this might be about. She hesitated for a moment, then said, "I'm not practicing for the next couple of days, so my schedule's wide open."

Mr. Burton sounded surprised. "But aren't you getting ready for your concert? Why aren't you practicing?"

He knew better than anyone how dedicated Stella was.noveldrama

"My hand's swollen. I need to rest it for a day or two," she explained.

There was a beat of concern on the other end. "Stella, what happened? Did you overwork it?"

Stella paused before replying quietly, "Just bumped it by accident."

"Hold on a second," Mr. Burton said.

He didn't hang up. Stella could hear the clinking of bottles and jars in the

background. After a moment, Mr. Burton came back on the line.

"I found some ointment for swelling-good stuff. Rub it in tonight, and the swelling

should be gone by morning."

Stella felt a pang of emotion-and

guilt. Mr. Burton had been retired for years. Ever since he'd left the Burton

family, he'd opened his own private practice never meddling in family affairs again.

Yet for her sake, he'd publicly hosted a reception to ensure she wasn't bullied.

And now she'd managed to get on the wrong side of Sellers Sherman.

Sherman was one thing, but Sellers was the next head of the Burton family.

Thinking about the confrontation that was bound to come, Stella's heart ached for

Mr. Burton. She lowered her voice. "Thank you, Mr. Burton."

He chuckled warmly. "No need to be so formal with me, kiddo. After all these years; you're always the first to bring me treats or fun little gifts, and you've never once lost

temper with this old man

remember every bit of it."

Stella's eyes stung with tears. Mr. Burton cared for her more than her own father ever had.

Even so...

His voice came through the phone again, gentle but firm. "Didn't we talk yesterday about Sellers? If you're free you two should meet as soon as possible

Stella raised an eyebrow. "Sellers... agreed to see me?"

Mr. Burton sounded pleased. "He did. In fact, he wants to meet soon-he's

worried work will get busy again and he'll be traveling all over the place."

A strange glint flickered in Stella's eyes.