The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's eyes fell on Joshua's shirt, noticing a streak of what looked like spilled soda staining the crisp fabric.

When she glanced across the room, she spotted three trust-fund kids standing opposite Joshua, and it didn't take long for her to piece together what had just happened-Joshua had clearly run into some trouble.

Honestly, Stella wasn't the least bit surprised.

This was the kind of exclusive club where the line between the wealthy and everyone else was glaringly obvious. Joshua's outfit had been picked out by Abby Murphy-not the cheapest thing on the rack, but definitely not designer or custom-tailored. Just ordinary clothes fit for an average young man.

Meanwhile, everyone else in here-the heirs and heiresses of old money-wore suits and dresses that cost more than most people's yearly salaries. Some of them probably spent six figures on a single outfit. Kids raised in these circles developed a sharp eye for social status, and they could spot an outsider from a

mile away.

Joshua was strikingly handsome, which hadn't escaped the notice of several young women in the club. Stella had seen more than a few of them sneaking glances at him earlier. In fact, when she'd been picking out a horse, someone had even tried to get his number.

Jealousy was inevitable.

Now, the three rich boys looked wary, clearly intimidated by Simone's presence. They exchanged nervous glances, then, without protest or excuses, started to apologize.

"Sorry about that."

"We apologize."

"Really, we didn't mean anything by it."

Once they'd finished their chorus of apologies, Simone turned to Joshua, her voice cool but polite. "Mr. Joshua, are you satisfied?"

The message was clear-if he wasn't, she was more than willing to escalate things further on his behalf.

Joshua nodded. "That's enough. Thank you."

Only then did Simone turn back to the trio, her beautiful face frosted with disdain. "Joshua's kind enough to let this go, but don't think that means I will. As of today, your memberships are revoked. Don't set foot in this club again."

The three boys nodded eagerly, almost tripping over themselves to agree. "Of course, Miss Lerman. We understand."

Simone waved them off. "Go on, then."

Once they'd scurried away, Simone's demeanor brightened as she turned back to Joshua. “Let's exchange numbers and add each other as friends. If you run into any more trouble, you can always call me."

She held out her phone to him.

Joshua didn't take it right away. Instead, he offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Miss Lerman, but I already owe you a favor. I wouldn't want to trouble you any further."

Simone grinned, undeterred. "If you don't want to owe me, then all the more reason for us to be friends-how else are you going to repay me?"

Joshua hesitated for a moment, then accepted her phone and entered his contact information.

Simone added him right away, her satisfaction clear. Then, as if remembering something, she asked, "Joshua, are you still working as Ms. Cameron's assistant? Have you ever considered working for me instead? I could triple your salary."

By now, Stella understood what was happening-Joshua had caught Simone's

eye.

She thought about it for a moment,

then decided it was time to slip away. After all, everyone seeks out better opportunities, and if Joshua had found one, she wasn't about to stand in his way. Working for Simone would open doors for him she simply couldn't.

But just as Stella turned to leave, Joshua seemed to notice her and called out,

"Ms. Cameron, you're here."

She paused. "Yes, I saw you'd disappeared and came looking."

Joshua gave Simone an apologetic smile. “Thank you for your offer, Miss Lerman,

but I'm not looking to change jobs at the moment. I appreciate it, though."noveldrama

Without waiting for a reply, he walked quickly over to Stella.

She eyed the stain on his shirt. "Trouble?"

Joshua shrugged it off. "Just a minor incident."

"Go change your shirt," Stella said, her tone practical as ever.

Joshua nodded. "Will do."