The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 164

Jasper snapped, "Stella, you really have no shame. Rachel plays the violin, so you play the violin. Rachel wears a white dress, and you wear a white dress too! Stop embarrassing yourself here! No matter how much you try to mimic Rachel, you'll always be a second-rate copycat!"

Stella didn't even blink. "Funny, I didn't realize violins and white dresses came with 'Property of Rachel Pearce' tags." Her smile turned razor-thin. "Or is mediocrity the only look you're allowed to copy?"

Jasper's voice was dripping with sarcasm. "It's pretty clear to everyone here what you're up to, trying to mimic Rachel at an event like this. Ever heard the saying 'a cheap imitation'? No matter how much you try to act like the real thing, you're still just a knock-off."

Neville chuckled, "Folks, if your eyesight's that bad, maybe it's time for some glasses? Anyone can see which one of these ladies is the real deal and which one's the fake."

Jasper's face flushed, about to retort when Neville's amused voice cut him off again.

"If you're so sure, why don't we ask some bystanders?"

Jasper was at a loss for words. As much as he disliked Stella, he couldn't deny that she had a certain allure that Rachel simply couldn't match. Her features were not only strikingly beautiful, but her bone structure was stunning too. Even without makeup, Stella had an edge.

Eventually, Jasper managed to sputter, "Looks can only get you so far when you've got such a nasty heart."

Neville shrugged with a smile, "I don't know about hearts, but being better looking than Ms. Pearce is enough for most."

Jasper glared, "You..."

Just then, a cheerful voice rang out from a little distance away. "Star, Marvin, there you are!"

Abby bounded over to the group. "This preschool is huge! It took me forever to find you guys."