The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Contestants from all over the world kept a close eye on the winners from other countries.

Haynes, however, showed no hint of surprise.

"Aurora!" Keen's eyes sparkled with admiration as he looked up at her. "I want to learn rock climbing and paragliding, too!"

Aurora crouched down so she was eye level with him. "Not just yet, Keen. You're still too young for those risky sports." She paused, then offered, "How about this: when your school break starts in a few days, I'll take you ice skating. Would you like that?"

Keen's eyes widened in disbelief. "You can ice skate too, Aurora?"

Simone chuckled from the side. "Aurora can do just about anything. She's not only great at skating, but she's also a fantastic skier, archer, and even rides horses..."

Keen's face lit up with longing. "I want to learn to ride horses, too!"

Aurora smiled. “Then you'll have to focus on getting healthy. Once you're all better, I'll take you horseback riding."

Keen nodded earnestly. "I'll make sure to get well."

Aurora gently ruffled his hair. "Tonight, I'll have someone make you a restorative stew."

Keen's expression faltered, and he suddenly lowered his head. "I wish I could have my mom's cooking again. But... she's so busy."

Aurora wanted to say something comforting, but in the end, she just sighed silently and wrapped him in a gentle hug.

Straightening up, she turned to Foreman and Joshua. "Mr. O'Brien, these gentlemen are...?"

Haynes replied, "Foreman-my dear friend."

Foreman greeted her with a warm, refined smile. "Ms. Williams, a pleasure to meet you."

Aurora nodded graciously. "Mr. Richards, I've heard so much about you."

She glanced at Joshua. "And this is...?"

Haynes' expression remained cool. "We're not acquainted."

Joshua smiled politely. "I'm Joshua, Ms. Cameron's assistant."

Assistant?

A flicker of Surprise crossed Aurora's eyes, too subtle for most to notice. She shot a quick look at Simone then smiled. "So you're her assistant. I'm Aurora-Stella's older sister. And this is my friend, Simone."

Though Simone was clearly intrigued by Joshua, she maintained the poise and pride one would expect from a woman of her background. She didn't gush, but simply said, "Hello, I'm Simone."noveldrama

Aurora was already well-known as the city's premier socialite-her talent and reputation needed no

introduction, and her beauty wasnet

second to none. Most women simply faded into the background beside her.

But Simone was different. Even standing next to Aurora, she held her own-an equally dazzling beauty.

Joshua's smile was polite and measured. "Miss Lerman, it's a pleasure to meet you."

His expression didn't waver, not even in the presence of such beauty. Haynes and Foreman were equally unruffled, their gazes steady none of them gave a second glance just because of a pretty face.

Simone's smile deepened as she watched Joshua's calm demeanor. Still, she didn't reveal any obvious interest. She was intrigued, yes, but it was simple curiosity, not love at first sight.

Foreman checked his watch. "The competition's about to start. Shall we head over?"

No one objected, and they all made their way to the arena.

For Stella, the preliminary round posed little challenge.

This time, the event was open to the public, which actually worked in Stella's favor —she didn't have to worry about anyone pulling strings behind the scenes.

Stepping off the stage, Stella paused in her tracks.

She'd expected to see Haynes and the others—but she hadn't expected Aurora and Simone to be there, too.