The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1283

Keen didn't just talk to Stella regularly; he often chatted with Joshua as well.

To him, Joshua was the most capable person he'd ever met, second only to his father.

Like most boys, Keen looked up to the strong. In his eyes, Joshua was the ultimate example.

"Keen," Joshua said with a smile, "what are we competing in this time?"

After losing to Joshua in shooting, Keen had challenged him to a horse race, only to be soundly defeated again. He had since taken up basketball, fencing, and rollerblading, but no matter how hard he practiced, he could never beat Mr. Joshua. Instead of feeling discouraged, Keen was thrilled, as if he had discovered a hidden treasure. He was determined to find something Mr. Joshua couldn't do.

Keen tilted his chin up proudly. "Mr. Joshua, this time, I challenge you to a piano duel!"

He reasoned that Mr. Joshua was a natural athlete, so competing in sports was unfair. But talent was a different story. He was Stella's son, after all, and had inherited her musical gifts. Even his piano teacher said he had the potential to become a renowned musician.

Joshua raised an eyebrow and readily accepted. "Alright. But it's been a while since I've played, so I'm a bit rusty. I'll give you a few days to practice."

His response surprised not only Keen but Stella as well. "Joshua, you know how to play the piano?"

"I learned a little in music class when I was a kid," he said casually.

Stella was speechless. Music class when they were kids was nothing like the specialized programs in kindergartens today. It was mostly a way for students to relax, and the teachers rarely took it seriously.

Keen's eyes, however, lit up with admiration. "You're so amazing, Mr. Joshua! You can even play the piano. Is there anything you can't do?"

Keen hesitated for a moment before nodding. His dad had said it would be just the three of them, but he supposed it was okay if his mom's friends joined.

Stella's words were diplomatic, but Joshua was not so polite. "Mr. O'Brien, you had your chance to plan a private birthday for Star, and you blew it. Now that you two are no longer together, it's a bit much to expect her to ditch all her friends just to be with you, don't you think?"

Haynes's jaw tightened. "You're mistaken. She won't be just with me. Keen will be there too."

"Keen can celebrate with everyone else," Joshua countered. "Abby has already planned a party and invited all of Star's friends. As for you…" A smirk played on his lips. "You have no real ties to Star, and your relationship is awkward at best. It hardly seems appropriate for you to attend." He paused as if a thought had just occurred to him. "Even Mr. Foreman Richards has more right to be there than you do."

"Joshua is right," Stella added. "On my birthday, I'll take Keen out. You're a busy man; you don't need to waste your time on me."

Haynes was about to argue when two more people walked in: Aurora and Queenie.