The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 852

Because of Stella, I’d crossed paths with Joshua a few times—enough to say we knew each other, but not well.

Aurora met Rachel’s gaze. “You know that’s not what I mean.”

Rachel feigned confusion. “I really don’t understand what you’re getting at, Ms. Williams.”

Aurora turned to Simone, who nodded, her lips curled in a half-smile as she looked at Rachel.

“Rachel, did you pretend to be the person who saved Joshua’s life?”

Rachel’s pupils contracted sharply, and for a second, she nearly lost control of her expression.

Still, she replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

With practiced calm, Simone recounted everything Joshua had told her, laying it all out for Rachel.

At first, Rachel managed to keep her composure, but as Simone continued, her face grew paler and paler.

Her fingers clenched tightly together.

Astonishingly, what Joshua had told Simone was exactly the same as what he’d told her.

Aurora didn’t miss a flicker of Rachel’s reaction; she’d already drawn her own conclusions.

So, Rachel and Joshua really did know each other. And what Joshua confided in Simone was probably true.

When Simone finished, she reached into her bag and pulled out a pair of earrings.

“Ms. Pearce, these earrings look familiar, don’t they?”

The look unsettled Simone for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. “All of this happened a long time ago,” she said coolly. “To be honest, I don’t remember every detail. I just wanted to ask you, Ms. Pearce, besides what we’ve discussed, did Joshua ever say anything else to you?”

Rachel wasn’t stupid; she caught the nuance in Simone’s question instantly. Her emotions gradually steadied. “What, Joshua didn’t tell you?”

Simone tucked her hair behind her ear, her tone unhurried. “Honestly, I’m not even sure if I’m the person Joshua’s looking for. Maybe I’m not. He thinks I am now, but if he’s wrong… wouldn’t that just keep him from finding the real one?”

Rachel’s eyes darted shrewdly. “Well, I’m already in prison, Haynes wants nothing to do with me, and now Joshua’s uncovered everything. Whatever future I had is gone. My life’s a mess anyway—why should I tell you anything?”

Simone exchanged a glance with Aurora. What they feared most wasn’t Rachel driving a hard bargain—it was Rachel refusing to bargain at all.

Simone asked, “What’s your price?”

Rachel steadied her breath, suppressing the turmoil inside. “Get me out on bail.”