The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Aurora hadn't even opened her mouth when Simone, standing nearby, let out a laugh and jumped in.

"Remember back when everyone joked that Sherman was Aurora's fiancé, and then Stella ended up in bed with him instead? And now, after going on a blind date with Sellers, she's mixed up in some scandal-accused of inappropriate conduct, no less."noveldrama

Simone gave a playful shrug, feigning lightness. "Looks like Sellers has no choice but to marry Stella at this point."

Aurora turned to Sellers, her tone gentle. "Sellers, Stella isn't nearly as bad as you think. Mr. Burton's willing to back her up, and he arranged for you and Stella to meet. That should tell you he has a high opinion of her."

She paused, searching for the right words. "Honestly, Stella has a lot of good qualities."

No sooner had she finished than Sherman gave a derisive snort.

"What good qualities? She grew up in the middle of nowhere, probably just got lucky to make it into Neo-Vespera University. Look at the people she hangs around now—that says enough about her ambitions."

Simone's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Stella actually graduated from Neo- Vespera?"

Sherman just scoffed, "Probably just scraped in by sheer luck."

Aurora shook her head. "You can't just luck your way into Neo-Vespera University."

Sherman looked at her, exhaling quietly. "Aurora, you might treat her like a little sister, but don't kid yourself-she doesn't see you as family..."

Before he could finish, Aurora gently interrupted him. "Enough. Let's not talk about Stella behind her back. We're not especially close, but we're not enemies either. Like it or not, we're family. That's not something we can change."

She hesitated, then looked to Sellers. "Maybe you should just get to know Stella a little-"

But Sellers cut her off, his dark eyes fixed on her face. "There's no one I want to get to know besides you."

Aurora's breath caught, surprised by the intensity of his words.

Sherman and Simone exchanged a quick glance, then, as if on cue, both looked away, pretending to be absorbed in something else.

"Sellers." Aurora met his gaze, her voice earnest. "You're like a brother to me. That's all."

She'd said this to him more than once-she felt nothing romantic for Sellers After realizing how he felt, she'd gently turned him down several times. Eventually, she'd just come out and said it plainly.

But Sellers never seemed bothered, nor did he ever give up.

He met her eyes calmly. "I know."

Yet even as he said it, there was no sign that he intended to let go.

Sensing the tension, Simone quickly changed the subject. "Aurora, look at the

painting up ahead- is that the one you've been wanting?"

Her question immediately pulled everyone's attention toward the exhibit.

All three turned to look at the display.

All around them, the crowd erupted in murmurs of awe.

"What a stunning piece!"

"Who painted it? There's real spark in this one. Is it a new artist?”

"Come on, you always brag about being an expert in art-don't tell me you've never heard of summer?"

"Heh, my expertise is in antique paintings. I'm not that familiar with contemporary artists."

Just then, the host began to

he hos

introduce the piece. "This painting, titled 'Midnight,' is the work of summer the most mysterious and brilliant artist of recent years. I'm sure most of you know his name. Summer rose to fame five years ago, and only five of his works are known to exist."

She let the words sink in before continuing, "We're fortunate to have

acquired Midnight' from a pet

value

collector. As everyone knows, summer's reputation and the of his work are unmatched. None of his paintings have ever sold for less than ten million."