The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The moment Stella saw this man, every hair on her arms stood on end. An

inexplicable sense of danger prickled at the back of her mind.

Sensing her unease, Haynes quietly stepped forward, positioning himself between Stella and the stranger, shielding her from the man's gaze.

"Mr. Lerman, you're here too?"

Leonard's eyes settled coldly on Haynes, the curve of his lips icy and unsettling.

"Mr. O'Brien, you came all the way to the Williams estate-just to play mediator for your ex-wife?"

Haynes's expression remained composed; he didn't bother denying it.

"Stella is Keen's mother. If I don't protect her, who will?"

His meaning was clear: Stella was under his protection.

Leonard's smile tightened, but he said nothing more. He strolled down the steps, then turned to Jonathan.

"Mr. Williams, aren't you going to introduce us?"

Jonathan rose at the cue, his voice polite but tense.

"Leonard, this is our youngest sister, Stella. And this... is Keen's father, Haynes."

Leonard nodded, surprisingly civil, and extended his hand.

"Mr. O'Brien. A pleasure."

Haynes didn't hesitate; he shook Leonard's hand firmly.

"Mr. Lerman. I've heard a lot about you."

Leonard's gaze shifted to Stella, and he offered his hand to her as well.

"Ms. Cameron, I've heard Aurora mention you often. Now that I finally meet you, I must say, the stories didn't do you justice."

Haynes frowned, about to interject-noveldrama

But in that instant, Leonard's eyes flashed, cold and sharp as a knife.

Sensing something was wrong, Haynes reached out to push Stella back.

Too late. A black pistol appeared as if from nowhere, pressed hard against Stella's forehead.

"Don't move," Leonard said softly, lips curling into a dangerous smile. "If anyone tries anything, I'll pull the trigger."

Haynes's face darkened.

Skyler and Jonathan froze in shock, taking a couple of seconds before reality snapped back.

Skyler's voice trembled with rage. "Leonard, what the hell are you doing?!"

Leonard replied calmly, "Weren't you all dying to know if Stella was

5 wo 4 Dehind

what happened to Aurora? Well, let's hear her answer—her real

"

Jonathan barked, "We already cleared this up! Star didn't do it. Leonard, let her go. Now!"

Leonard tilted his head, mocking. "She says she didn't, and that's enough for you? There's not even a shadow of doubt in your heart?"

Jonathan glanced away, unable to answer. The truth was, deep down, he still harbored suspicions about Stella.

%UT¢

Leonard pressed on, "If she really did it-if she could betray her own family and our interests-then keeping her around would only bring more trouble Wouldn't it be better if just ended it right now? I'd be solving a big problem for the Williams family-"

Before he could finish, Skyler cut in, voice blazing with fury.

"Shut up, Leonard! Let Star go, or I swear you'll regret it!"

Leonard feigned a sigh, spreading his hands in mock surrender.

"Alright, since Mr. Williams insists, I'll respect your wishes. As long as she tells the

truth-no matter what the answer is-I'll stand down."

He lowered his gaze, locking eyes with Stella, his smile chillingly gentle.

“But I despise liars, Ms. Cameron. If you tell the truth, you walk out

here. If you lie... well, don't ex ret

any mercy on account of Mro Williams."

He paused, his voice almost a whisper.

"Oh, and I happen to have studied psychology. If you try to lie to me, I'll know."

He leveled the gun, his tone deceptively soft.

"So, Ms. Cameron, tell everyone now-did you do this to Aurora?"