The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 579

Stella looked at him in surprise. “Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?”

Joshua replied, “Candida mentioned that Solmaris is a paradise for musicians—a place where some of the world’s best go to study and exchange ideas. With your skill on the violin, I wondered if you’d ever spent time there, perhaps to further your training.”

Stella didn’t hide anything. “I actually lived in Solmaris for a while.”

A curious flicker passed through Joshua’s eyes. “How long were you there?”

She considered for a moment. “Counting college, I’d say about six years.”

“When did you go?”

Stella turned to look at him, sensing something behind his questions. “You seem very interested in my time in Solmaris.”

Joshua hesitated for a moment before answering. “I have this strange sense of familiarity with Solmaris, like it’s somewhere I might have grown up. I just wanted to know more about it, that’s all.”

Though he offered an explanation, Stella still found his questions odd. Besides her closest confidants, only Neville knew the truth about her background. Even Haynes was in the dark—there was no way she’d tell Joshua.

“It was just during college. I mostly stayed on campus, except for the occasional performance or competition. Honestly, I don’t know much about the city itself. But if you find it familiar, I could always arrange for someone to show you around Solmaris sometime.”

Joshua shook his head. “No need. You have your concert coming up soon. You should focus on that.”

He seemed to sense her reluctance and rose from his seat. “I’ll go check if Ms. Murphy needs anything.”

Stella nodded, and after Joshua left, she picked up her violin and began to practice again.

***

In a stylish, softly lit restaurant, a young man and woman sat across from each other.

After placing her order, Lauretta Chapman handed the menu back to the waiter. “That’ll be all, thank you.”