The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Katrina couldn't hold back any longer and stepped forward, her voice sharp with indignation.

"Who told you Star only finished middle school? So you see some random comment online and just twist it however you like?

Let me set the record straight: not only did Star not drop out after middle school, she actually graduated from the Neo-Vespera University School of Music and Arts -the same alma mater as Lauretta.

Raven Williams, the pride of Neo-Vespera, is still featured on their Hall of Fame. Why don't you go do some actual research, or ask the Williams family if Star used to go by Raven?

You're so quick to parrot rumors about her education, but why not mention that she's a violin prodigy? Her victory over Harry was all over the news, wasn't it?

Your so-called idol is in the same circles-could she ever beat Harry? I doubt it. If anything, she'd be begging Harry for lessons."

The person froze, face paling as she struggled to come up with a retort.noveldrama

Someone else piped up, "Sure, she's good at the violin, but so what? She's still a divorced woman with a kid. How can she compete with Aurora?”

Normally, Wendy was quiet, but her tongue was as sharp as a blade. She scoffed, "And what's so disgraceful about being divorced with a child? Like it's some unspeakable crime?

Since we're all here, why don't we make it official: Is your family so perfect that no one will ever get divorced or have kids out of wedlock? If it ever happens, you'd better make sure none of you ever show your faces in public again. You said it— now stick to it."

The group was left speechless, unable to argue back.

These women idolized Aurora and simply couldn't stand to see anyone outshine her. They cherry-picked whatever gossip suited their narrative, all so they could undermine Stella at events like this.

Word had it Stella was set to join The Williams Group. Tonight's guest list included not just the city's elite families but also the company's shareholders and board members. Many were here to size up Stella themselves.

These women wanted nothing more than to stir up trouble for Stella, hoping to plant bad rumors and make her life difficult.

But the little confrontation barely caused a ripple in the evening's festivities.

Skyler took the microphone,

beaming as he addressed the

guests. "Thank you all for coming a the Williams family's gathering. Standing beside me is my daugh Stella. She's a graduate of Neo-Vespera University's School of Arts and, formerly known as Raven, is an accomplished violinist. Soon, she'll be joining The Williams Group. Please give her your support."

With Skyler's public endorsement, every rumor about Stella's education was put

to rest. Those who had insulted her could only stand there, faces burning with embarrassment.

In return for their support, the Williams family would also handle any lingering doubts about Stella's academic record.

The guests offered congratulations, their words polite and full of praise. Stella stood beside Skyler, her smile serene, handling the attention with poise far beyond her years. Not a trace of nerves or panic showed on her face.

Abby, standing just behind Stella, couldn't help but admire her composure: As the daughter of the Williams family, Stella was someone people would want to befriend, no matter what rumors were whispered about her. And now, with her unexpected talent and reputation, even those who had once sided with

Aurora found themselves drifting toward Stella.

Suddenly, Stella was the center of attention. The crowd that had once surrounded Aurora now flocked to Stella's side.

No matter if she was the biological

daughter, an adopted child, or even an illegitimate one, the fact that Stella would join The Williams Group as soon as she returned spoke volumes about her capabilities. For all Aurora's strengths, she had never managed to secure a place in the family business.

Divorced or not, with or without a child, when it came to true worth, Stella had

already eclipsed Aurora.