The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 522

Stella didn’t disappoint Mr. Burton in the slightest. She carried herself with poise and grace, her manners impeccable—never overstepping, never shrinking back.

The guests couldn’t stop praising her, showering Mr. Burton with compliments for his discerning eye.

Mr. Burton, ever the mischievous old soul, soaked up every word, his smile growing wider with each flattery.

It quickly became clear to everyone that he adored hearing such praise, especially when it came to his knack for finding talent and Stella’s remarkable qualities.

In no time at all, Stella was being lauded to the heavens.

For her, this was an entirely new experience.

Neither the Williams family nor the O’Brien family had ever included her in gatherings like this.

The O’Briens considered her an embarrassment, someone who couldn’t be seen in polite society, and they rarely allowed her to attend any formal events.

The Williams family, on the other hand, always used her youth and supposed lack of refinement as an excuse to keep her away from social occasions.

Her identity hadn’t been made public, after all—taking her out in public would only invite awkward questions.

Someone, perhaps with an ulterior motive, turned to Mr. Burton and remarked, “Mr. Burton, your protégé is truly exceptional—beauty and talent both. She’s every bit the equal of Aurora, the city’s most celebrated debutante.”

Mr. Burton let out a booming laugh.

Subtlety and humility were foreign concepts to him. “Of course! My student is the very best.”

People laughed along with him, though some exchanged glances and sized Stella up with barely concealed curiosity.

Aurora was the Williams family’s pride—a young woman groomed to perfection.

Even if Stella had lucked into Mr. Burton’s mentorship, to compare her with Aurora? That was wishful thinking, and everyone knew it.

But no one dared spoil Mr. Burton’s good mood. They simply smiled and let the conversation flow.

After introducing Stella to a few influential guests, Mr. Burton’s gaze settled on a group standing a short distance away—the O’Briens and the Wilkinsons.

A sly smile crept across his face. “Stella, let’s go say hello.”

She shot him a knowing look and nodded.