The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 495

A long, black luxury van waited at the curb.

When the door slid open, Haynes, Rachel, and Keen were already inside.

Keen looked up as Deanna and Callie climbed in, greeting them politely.

“Grandma. Aunt Callie.”

Deanna’s response was little more than a dismissive nod. Her gaze, however, lingered on Rachel.

Rachel was dressed beautifully that day—a tasteful, elegant dress that made her look delicate and gentle, every bit the picture of grace.

Deanna’s brows knitted together. “Why are you bringing her to Mr. Burton’s birthday party?”

Haynes’s voice was calm. “The invitation I received included Rachel.”

Deanna looked genuinely surprised. “They invited her? Since when does the Burton family have ties with her?”

Rachel spoke softly. “Maybe it’s because I’m now Mr. Walden’s apprentice. Perhaps that’s why they asked me to come.”

Deanna’s expression eased a little at that.

She’d considered letting Rachel into the family—if Haynes was set on remarrying Stella, perhaps it wasn’t out of the question. But lately, Haynes hadn’t mentioned Stella at all. Maybe he’d finally let go of that woman.

Deanna’s mind began to turn over new possibilities.

If Haynes could marry a woman from a distinguished family, why settle for Rachel? Rachel was certainly better than Stella, but there were plenty of young women from good families who were just as accomplished—some of whom might not even mind that Haynes already had a child.

This party was the perfect opportunity to meet those young women.

She knew better than to hope for someone like Aurora or Lauretta, but the Burton family still had several eligible daughters. It wouldn’t hurt to see if any caught Haynes’s eye. If nothing worked out, she could always reconsider Rachel.