The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Even before the international tournament began, it seemed Haynes had already

sent Keen away somewhere for so-called "closed training."

But this so-called training was really just a cover. In truth, Keen was being hidden

away-protected, and kept far from prying eyes.

Leonard let out a cold laugh. "Of course. They were planning to trip Aurora up

from the very start. Everything was ready long before now."

Sellers sighed, his tone weary. "Leonard, Aurora's always been fond of that child.

If you try to use him against her, she'll never forgive you."

Sellers had his own agenda-he didn't mind letting others do his dirty work. But

he wasn't heartless enough to involve a child. Maybe it was some leftover shred

of decency from all those years growing up in the Burton family, a small part of

him that refused to die.

Leonard fell silent for a while before speaking. "If Aurora cares about him, then

forget it. We'll find another way."

With that, he hung up.

When Stella stepped out of the Williams estate, the afternoon sun was blazing, sonoveldrama

bright it made her eyes swim. Whether it was the heat or her restless mind, her

steps wavered on the marble stairs. She nearly lost her balance.

Haynes reached out just in time, steadying her.

"Star," he said, voice low and steady, his dark eyes laced with concern. "Are you

alright?"

After Leonard left, neither Stella nor Haynes stayed long at the Williams house.

Haynes's words had already shaken Skyler and his father. Even when Leonard

threatened Stella at gunpoint, she never gave anything away, which only made

Skyler and his father trust her more.

Ironically, Leonard's outburst had helped clear Stella of suspicion.

Stella blinked, her long lashes trembling as she looked at Haynes. Suddenly, she

gripped his wrist-her hold almost desperate.

"Haynes, you have to protect Keen. Promise me you won't let Leonard get

anywhere near him!"

For the first time, Leonard had truly terrified her.

Haynes's calm voice washed over

her like cool water, soothing her

frayed nerves. "Don't worry, Star.

Keen's under tight security. Nothing

will happen to him. I made sure of it.

But Leonard..."

Haynes had never dealt with Leonard before. After today, seeing what the man

was capable of, a chill settled into his usually resolute features.

"He's not the type to give up so

easily. But as long as you haven't cut

ties with the Williams family, he

won't dare go too far-not yet."

There was something else Haynes didn't say aloud.

Leonard would probably come after him next.

By standing with Stella today, he'd

made his position clear. Leonard

wouldn't let that slide. Maybe he

couldn't take all the heat off Stella,

but at least he could share some of

the fallout. As long as Leonard

couldn't touch Stella directly, he

might try to make Haynes pay

instead.

Stella finally relaxed, letting go of Haynes's wrist. "Good. Thank you-for

everything today."

"You don't have to thank me," Haynes said gently, noting the exhaustion in her

face. "Let me drive you home so you can rest."

He wanted nothing more than to invite her out for a meal, but he knew she

wouldn't be in the mood for that now.

Stella nodded wearily. "Thank you. I'd appreciate that."

...

Three days later, Stella's phone rang. It was Benson, Haynes's assistant.

"Ms. Cameron, there's been an accident. Mr. O'Brien is in trouble."