The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 514

Florrie looked at Nicolle with a newfound respect, her gaze just a bit more appraising than before.

“You want to adopt Stella?”

Nicolle nodded. “She and Antoney grew up together—like brother and sister. The Watson family has never been large, so bringing in a daughter isn’t a problem.”

When Stella was first taken in by the Williams family, she’d already been in school and had never really appeared in public. Aside from a few close friends of the Williamses, barely anyone had ever seen her. Most people had no idea about Stella’s true background—they just assumed she was an ordinary girl.

Florrie got along well with Aurora, but during that time, she’d been studying abroad. Aurora was shrewd enough to never mention Stella’s situation to Florrie, much less reveal she was an illegitimate child.

Upon hearing Nicolle’s plan, Florrie didn’t bother to be diplomatic. She called him out directly.

“You’re just worried my brother might try to marry Stella, aren’t you? So you want to adopt her and put an end to any ideas he might have?”

Nicolle didn’t deny it. “Stella is Haynes’s ex-wife and already has a child. It’s not easy for her to become the Watson family’s lady.”

Marrying within the right social circles was a tradition as old as time.

When Nicolle was young, he’d believed true love could conquer anything. In the end, reality had taught him that marriages between equals lasted longer. He and Antoney’s mother had separated peacefully—not just because their families had torn them apart, but because, once they’d lived together, they realized how different they truly were.

Nicolle bore no ill will toward Stella. Still, her status as a divorcée and her modest education would inevitably limit her world view and opportunities.

After a moment’s thought, he added, “She may not be young anymore, but there’s always more to learn. Once she’s officially part of the Watsons, I’ll make sure she gets another round of education. If she’s going to be a proper young lady, that’ll help her a great deal—especially if she remarries.”

He meant it sincerely; he only wanted what was best for Stella.