The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

If Leonard really left by helicopter, then all their careful arrangements had been for nothing.

So much time had passed already-Leonard had probably made his escape.

The whole room fell silent, the atmosphere turning cold and heavy.

Foreman's thoughts drifted to Sellers, still locked up in the basement.

At least he still had Sellers in his grasp; he could vent his frustration on him for

now.

Foreman cleared his throat, breaking the tense quiet.

"I have some things to take care of. I'll head back first."

At that moment, everyone's attention was on Stella's injured hand and the news that Leonard had slipped away from Novaris. No one noticed Foreman quietly leave.noveldrama

Even Haynes only gave him a cursory glance before looking away.

Neville spoke up, "Since Leonard's gotten away, let's put his case aside for now. Stella's treatment takes priority."

Abby finally pulled herself together, her voice trembling.

"Stella's supposed to compete the day after tomorrow, but now... I'm afraid..."

Everyone knew the truth: Stella would likely never compete again.

She was only two matches away from clinching the championship. No one expected things to fall apart like this.

Abby wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"I'll release an official statement soon-Stella's withdrawing from the competition."

Haynes turned to Abby. "Don't try to cover anything up. Tell the truth."

She hesitated for a moment, then understood his intention.

This whole mess, after all, stemmed from Aurora. Her admirer had not only kidnapped Stella but ruined her hand-the Williams family owed Stella an explanation.

Abby nodded. "All right. I understand."

Haynes continued, "If Aurora shows up with Leonard to apologize, we can't let him leave. He stays."

Neville nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry. If he dares to show his face, there's no way he'll get away this time."

They exchanged a look-no need for words. For now, they were on the same side.

Leonard was, after all, head of the Lerman family. Bringing him down wouldn't be easy.

Haynes and Neville had more to arrange and soon left Abby's hospital room.

Now, only Joshua remained, silent as ever.

Abby looked at him, lips parted uncertainly.

"Joshua, do you need something?"

If Joshua had been there, Stella might never have been taken.

Joshua finally spoke. "How exactly did you get kidnapped?"

Abby's eyes flickered. "I blacked out. I don't really remember what happened."

Joshua pressed further. "Where were you taken from?"

Abby hesitated. "It... it happened at the hotel."

They'd known each other long enough for Joshua to recognize a lie when he heard one.

But he didn't push it. Instead, he

said,

be gone for a few days.

Take good care of Stella care of Stella while I'm away."

Abby blinked in surprise. "You're still not finished with your business?"

Joshua brushed her off with a vague reply and left without another word.

That afternoon, Dr. Burton arrived at the hospital.

He meticulously reviewed the scans and test results, his brows furrowing deeper with each page.

Afterward, he conducted a thorough

exon of Stella himself, his e

growing graver by the

Finally, Dr,

Neville Burton turned to rest. Let's talk outside." Stonet

The group nodded, preparing to leave, but Stella's voice stopped them.

"Dr. Burton, you can say it here. It's my body—I have a right to know."

Dr. Burton paused in the doorway and looked back at her.

Stella met his gaze, steady and unafraid.