The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"In a few years, after the world's taught you a lesson or two, you won't be so naïve anymore."

The elevator doors slid open. Stella was about to step inside when someone came barreling out, nearly colliding with her.

"Abby?" Stella blinked in surprise. "Where are you rushing off to?"

A moment later, a tall, slender figure emerged from the elevator as well-Joshua.

"Abby tried calling you," Joshua explained. "She couldn't get through, so she tracked your car and saw it hadn't moved. She was worried something happened and was just about to go look for you."

Relief washed over Abby as she saw Stella standing there, safe and sound.

"I got word about your painting," Abby said, still catching her breath. "I tried calling you, but your phone just wouldn't connect. With this storm outside, I was scared something might've happened to you!"

Stella pulled out her phone, only to realize it had died without her noticing. With everything going on lately, she'd forgotten to charge it the night before.

"I'm fine," Stella reassured them. "My car just broke down on the way here." Joshua's eyes fell on the jacket draped over her shoulders. "How'd you get back?"

Stella didn't try to hide anything. "I ran into Haynes and Rachel on the road. They gave me a ride." She gave a quick rundown of what had happened.

Abby muttered under her breath, "What a day."

Then she quickly turned to Stella. “Star, go upstairs and take a hot shower. You don't want to catch a cold."

"Okay."

Once inside the studio, Stella slipped into her private break room, grabbed some clean clothes, and headed for the shower.

When she emerged, a steaming bowl of ginger tea was waiting on the table. The sight of it warmed her heart.

Abby always knew how to take care of her.

Stella downed the tea in a single gulp, feeling the warmth spread through her chilled body.noveldrama

Stepping out of the break room, she found Abby holding a stack of papers, deep in conversation with Joshua.

Stella walked over. "Abby, thanks for the ginger tea.”

Abby looked up and grinned. "That wasn't me. Joshua made it for you."

"Joshua?" Stella glanced at him, a little surprised.

Joshua shrugged. "There's not much for me to do around the studio. I eat your food, live under your roof, and still get paid. Feels wrong not to help out. Abby was thinking about getting you a personal assistant, but since I've got the time, let me handle these little things."

Stella considered it and nodded. "Alright, thanks. I appreciate it."

It was true when people have too time, they start looking

much

for

s to do. Giving Joshua a few s would do him good.

Not dwelling on it, Stella turned to Abby. "You said you had news about the painting?"

Abby nodded and handed over the papers. "Star, take a look. Is this your work?"

Stella examined the documents, her eyes lighting up. "That's it! Where is it now?"

Abby answered, “It's going up for auction next weekend."

"Auction?" Stella was stunned. "Why is it being auctioned?"

Abby handed over another document. "See for yourself."

Stella scanned the page, her expression shifting from shock to disbelief.

At Burton Group headquarters, Sherman burst into an office, barely containing his excitement. "Uncle, there's news about the painting you were looking for!" fo