The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"Why are you looking at me like that, Ms. Pearce?"

Joshua's words immediately drew everyone's attention.

He went on, "Ms. Pearce wants to go too, is that it? Are you hoping I'll put in a

good word for you?"

Rachel's smile was starting to slip.

Did Joshua really just blurt out the truth like that?

She couldn't wrap her head around what was going through his mind.

He must be out of his mind!

Rachel seethed with frustration, but she couldn't very well lose her temper in front of everyone.

It was clear now she couldn't count on Joshua or Haynes for help.

Her gaze shifted to Keen, the one who was always easiest to persuade. "Keen, how about I come with you too? I know a thing or two about shooting. Want to make it a contest?"

Keen had been practicing lately, and at Rachel's suggestion, his eyes lit up.

"Sure!"

Stella just glanced at Rachel with a cool indifference, saying nothing.

With so many people going, one more didn't make a difference. Besides, now she could see for herself how Haynes would act toward Rachel once he knew the truth.

A lively group set off for the largest sports center in Neo-Vespera.

Stella, Keen, and Joshua shared one car.

Foreman and Haynes rode together in a second.

Aurora and Simone took the third.

Rachel eyed the lineup, then walked over to Stella's car.

"Keen, can I ride with you?"

Keen looked at Stella, and when she didn't object, he nodded.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Rachel's face.

If only Stella would confront her in front of everyone-then maybe Haynes would take her side again.

Stella took the passenger seat, Joshua drove, and Rachel and Keen sat in the back.

On the way, Rachel asked Keen about what he'd been up to lately, giving Stella a chance to listen in as well.

Keen replied, "Aurora's taken me tonoveldrama

all sorts of fun places. She's even helped me practice shooting and

archery. She's amazing!

nothing she can't do. And whenever I struggle with schoolwork, Aurora's the one who helps me out

Grandpa's been helping me get

healthier too; he found someone to

make nutritious meals for me..."

At this point, Keen seemed to remember something and glanced at Stella.

"But nothing tastes as good as what you make, Mom. I still like your cooking best."

He lowered his voice, "I'm sorry,

was sothoughtless before.

Montevertake you before. I

pror

granted again."

Stella caught Keen's gaze in the rearview mirror.

Compared to before, Keen really had changed.

He no longer acted as if everything she did was owed to him, and he'd learned to show a little humility.

She had to admit, the Williams family really did know a thing or two about raising kids.

At the very least, it was better than leaving him with Deanna O'Brien.

Rachel noticed, too-Keen's attitude toward Aurora had shifted; he didn't seem nearly as close to Rachel as before.

She asked, "Keen, so your grandpa and the others have just been taking you out to have fun? No studying at all?”

Keen replied, "Grandpa says there's no need to burn myself out right now. He wants me to enjoy what other kids do, so can experience everything That way, when grow up, won't be so easily swayed by little favors or fooled by sweet talk."

Children speak innocently, but adults always read between the lines. Rachel couldn't help but feel Keen was talking about her.

She ventured carefully, "Keen, do you really like Aurora that much?"

Keen nodded enthusiastically, his eyes shining with admiration once again.