The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 502

“Mom?”

The soft, hesitant call snapped Stella back to reality. She turned and saw Keen—dressed like a little gentleman, every detail immaculate. It had been some time since she’d last seen him.

Once, she’d treasured Keen more than her own life; the slightest hint of trouble would leave her anxious and fretting for hours. She’d even convinced herself, more than once, that losing him would be unthinkable—something she simply wouldn’t survive.

But reality had proven otherwise. Stella knew now: she must never lose herself for anyone, not even her own child.

She nodded gently in reply to Keen’s greeting, but a faint question lingered in her mind.

Why had Mr. Burton invited them as well? Was he trying to mend the rift between her and Keen, bringing him—and, by extension, the whole O’Brien family—along to smooth things over?

Her thoughts were interrupted as the commotion drew the attention of the event manager. A middle-aged man strode over, his tone sharp: “What’s all this noise about? Is something wrong here?”

Jasper pointed at Stella. “Sir, this woman doesn’t have an invitation. She slipped into the party. This is Mr. Burton’s birthday celebration, and we can’t have unidentified guests ruining it!”

The manager’s expression darkened. The Burtons were meticulous about their invitations—each one accounted for, no exceptions. To prevent unwanted guests, everyone had to show proof at the door. Without it, not even the Queen herself would have been let in.

So how had this woman gotten past security?

He stepped in front of Stella. “Miss, may I see your invitation, please?”