The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella had asked Neville for a favor and managed to get a few tickets to the upcoming auction.

This auction was nothing special-it was easy enough to get in, and most of the items up for bid were calligraphy and paintings. Nothing like the last time, when the auction was full of rare and exotic treasures.

This time, along with Stella, Abby, and Neville, even Antoney, Candida, and Joshua had come along for the experience. Candida, who had never attended an auction before, was practically buzzing with excitement.

Antoney, seated to Stella's left, leaned in. "Star, is your painting really going up for auction tonight?”

Stella nodded. "I'm pretty sure it is."

Abby's voice was tinged with guilt. "Star, I'm sorry. If it weren't for me needing to raise money, you wouldn't have had to sell your painting."

Back at Neo-Vespera University, Stella had majored in music and minored in art. Her musical talent was undeniable, but she was just as gifted with a paintbrush. Nora had raised her to be a real lady-music, chess, painting, literature-Stella excelled at them all. Her calligraphy was remarkable, too.

It helped that the university offered painting as a minor. Stella had chosen it, more to nurture her soul than as a career path.

Stella smiled. "Honestly, if I hadn't sold my paintings, I never would have realized they were actually worth anything."

By now, Neville seemed to have pieced together the whole story. He glanced at Stella, a strange light in his eyes. "I did a little digging. Turns out, your paintings are each worth at least a million dollars on the market right now."

Years ago, when Abby's family fell on hard times and needed money urgently, Stella and Antoney had given her all the savings they had, leaving themselves just enough to get by. As an art student, living in Solmaris wasn't cheap. Stella had cut ties with the Williams family and was renting a place on her own. Without more money soon, she wouldn't have lasted long.

To keep things afloat, she'd decided to sell her paintings. She didn't have many- just five she considered good enough to show the world. Most of her time was spent on music, and painting was more of a personal escape.noveldrama

She'd been amazed when her first piece sold for over ten thousand dollars.

Antoney, a broke student himself, had also scraped together every penny to help Abby, making his own situation pretty tight. So, one by one, Stella Sold all her paintings, just enough to keep herself and Antoney afloat.

After graduation, Abby paid them back. Stella used the money to buy her own apartment, with a decent sum left over for emergencies.

Abby had never forgotten their kindness. She was always there for Stella when she needed support, and when Antoney wanted to strike out on his own, Abby helped him find a studio and took care of the O renovations.

When Neville revealed the value of Stella's paintings, all three-Stella, Abby, and Antoney-turned to him in shock.

Abby swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mr. Connolly, did you say Star's paintings are worth how much?"

Neville's deep voice was calm. "At least a million dollars each."

They stared at each other, stunned.

Antoney asked, "How is that possible? I remember the highest price you got back then was maybe fifteen thousand."

Abby groaned. "Oh my god, we lost out on so much money. That hurts!"

Stella was just as surprised. "If I'd known my paintings were worth that much, maybe I'd have become a professional artist."

Neville smiled. "Your paintings are incredibly rare-only five have ever surfaced, and that kind of scarcity makes them valuable. But more than that...He paused, his gaze lingering on Stella. "Your style is truly unique. And since you haven't released anything new in years, many collectors think these works are your swan song."