The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 296

The two women were just about to leave when a luxury car pulled up beside them.

The door swung open, and a tall, striking figure stepped out.

A handsome, rakish face came into view, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.

“Star, Ms. Murphy—it’s been a while.”

Abby’s face lit up with delight. “Neville Connolly! I haven’t seen you in ages. What have you been up to lately?”

Neville arched an eyebrow, flashing a lazy, charming smile. “Just dealing with some family business, but thankfully, it’s all wrapped up now.” He grinned, “What, did you and Star miss me?”

Abby laughed. “Of course we did! Without you around, no one’s taken us out for a proper meal in forever.”

Neville shot back immediately, “Say the word, and dinner’s on me. In fact—” A thought seemed to strike him. He reached into the front seat and pulled out a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers.

“Star, I never got to congratulate you on your divorce—cheers to your newfound freedom.”

Stella accepted the flowers with a calm smile. “Thank you.”

She hadn’t told Neville about the divorce herself, but Marvin Connolly had practically been living at her place lately. Abby and Stella had never kept their conversations private around him, so it was no surprise Neville knew.

Just then, a sneering voice cut through the air.

“Well, not even trying to hide it anymore, are we? No wonder you were in such a rush to get divorced—turns out your lover couldn’t wait.”

Abby shot back without missing a beat, “People with filthy minds see filth everywhere. You cheat, and now you think every man and woman together must be cheating too. Shameless.”

Jasper let out a cold laugh. “A man giving a woman flowers—is that a normal friendship? Why don’t we ask a few passersby what they’d think?”

Abby started forward, ready for a fight, but Stella stopped her with a gentle pull.

Stella turned to Jasper, her voice steady. “Jasper, I’m divorced now. Who I spend time with and whose flowers I accept is none of your business. No one has the right to interfere.”