The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

After finishing his words, Keen glanced nervously at Haynes, his face full of apprehension.

Ever since Keen could remember, his grandmother had always told him he was the future heir to The O'Brien Group that he was different from ordinary children.

Though still quite young, Keen was vaguely aware that living with his mother might not be so easy.

But whenever he thought of Marvin Connolly-that troublemaker who might really take his mom away-Keen felt a sharp ache in his chest.

Haynes, however, showed neither displeasure nor anger. Instead, he asked gently, "Why do you suddenly want to live with your mother? Isn't it good living with your dad?"

Keen replied in a quiet voice, "Dad, you're always busy. You're hardly ever home. I'm all alone in that big house. It's really lonely. And...it's been so long since I tasted Mom's cooking, or heard her tell me a bedtime story..."

Tears shimmered in Keen's eyes as he spoke.

"I miss Mom...I want her by my side. No matter how nice Rachel is, she could never, ever replace my mom."

Haynes didn't look surprised.

It was natural for Keen to want to live with his mother-after all, Stella had raised him since he was little.

But as Haynes remained silent, Keen grew anxious.

"Dad, I promise I won't fall behind in my studies if I'm with Mom. I'll work hard and do my best to become a worthy heir. And whenever I can, I'll come back to visit you and Grandma."

Haynes gazed at Keen's hopeful eyes, his dark pupils swirling like a tide beneath the surface.

He finally spoke. "Keen, do you still wish you could live with both Mom and Dad together?"

Keen nodded without hesitation. "Of course I do!"

He had always admired his father. Mom always told him Dad was an extraordinary man-capable of anything. But Dad was just too busy, never with much time for him. As much as Keen adored his father, he longed even more to live with his mom.

Haynes said, "If you want to live with your mother, I can agree to that."

Keen's eyes lit up in disbelief. "Really?!"

Haynes nodded. "But you have to promise me one thing."

"Anything, Dad! I promise!"

Haynes continued, "While you're living with your mom, I have a task for you. Try to

find a way to bring her back home. That way, the three of us can be together again, just like before. You won't have to feel torn between us anymore."

Keen's eyes sparkled with excitement.

That's right—why hadn't he thought of that? If Mom and Dad got back together, he wouldn't have to worry about anyone else taking his mom away.

He nodded vigorously. "Okay, I'll help you, Dad!"

Haynes was about to say more when his phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

He answered. "Ms. Williams?"

Whatever the woman on the other end said made Haynes' gaze grow deeper. He

cast a glance at Keen before responding, "Alright, I'll bring Keen.”

...

After hanging up, Jonathan Williams turned to look at Aurora Williams.

"He agreed to meet?"

Aurora nodded. "Yes, he did."

"Does he know about Stella's true identity?" Jonathan asked.

"I don't think so. Last time we chatted, he didn't seem to have a clue," Aurora replied.

Jonathan considered this. "Are you planning to tell him?"

Aurora paused, then shook her head softly.

met

n's wait until after Dad hnoveldrama

t Stella-no need to stir

trouble too soon."

Jonathan nodded thoughtfully. "You're being very careful."

Aurora smiled, "I've asked Haynes to bring Keen along, too. Big brother, I'm going out to pick a gift for him."

"Alright, go ahead."

...

The next day, Aurora arrived at the private room at the agreed time, only to

discover that Haynes and Keen were already there.

To her surprise, a young, beautiful woman was seated beside Keen.

Aurora's memory was exceptional-she quickly recognized her.

Rachel.

They'd crossed paths briefly at the last gala.

Aurora walked in with graceful poise. "Sorry to keep you all waiting."

Haynes answered in his clear, calm voice, "You're right on time—we just got here early."

With that, he began introducing everyone.

"Keen, this is Ms. Williams. Ms. Williams, this is my son, Keen."

Keen stood up and greeted her politely. "Hello, Ms. Williams."

Aurora handed him the gift she'd chosen in advance. "Hello, Keen. This is a small present from me."

Keen accepted the gift. "Thank you, Ms. Williams."

Aurora smiled warmly.

Haynes then turned to Aurora

Williams, this is Rachel. I heard

you're also an accomplished

violinist, so I invited her along. I hope you don't mind."

Aurora's smile remained flawless and her reply was gracious, giving Haynes all due respect. "Mr. O'Brien, you're too kind. I'm delighted to meet another kindred spirit."

After a few moments of polite conversation, Haynes said to Rachel, "Rachel, this

is Ms. Williams."

But Rachel, instead of greeting Aurora, sat frozen, her gaze riveted with shock on the earrings Aurora wore.