The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Leonard knew about her connection with Antoney. Whether he'd hold it against Antoney, or plot something behind their backs, was still uncertain.

She had to warn Antoney to be careful around him.

Antoney clenched his fists, his voice tight with anger. "Star, I swear I'll get revenge

for you "

Before he could finish, Stella cut him off.

"That won't be necessary." She met Antoney's gaze, her tone steady. "I'll be joining The Williams Group soon. I'll deal with Leonard myself. Right now, neither of us is a match for him, so don't do anything reckless."

Antoney nodded. "I understand. Don't worry, Star-I know what I'm doing."

Leonard was, after all, the head of the Lerman family. He commanded their resources and influence, something Antoney couldn't match. Even if Antoney became the leader of the Watson family, there was no way he could act as freely as Leonard, at least not for a while.noveldrama

Before coming here, they had seen Abby, Haynes, and Neville Connolly.

Now, Candida glanced around the room and asked, "Star, where's Joshua? I didn't see him earlier I thought he'd be here with you."

Stella replied, "He had some things to take care of. He's not back yet-"

Her words were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

A tall, handsome figure stepped quietly into the room.

It was Joshua, just as Candida had wondered.

"Joshua, you're done already?" Stella greeted him by name, as she always did, even though she knew him well enough by now.

Joshua gave a faint, tired smile. "Yeah. How are you feeling? Any better?"

Stella nodded. Seeing how exhausted he looked, she said gently, "Joshua, you should go home and rest. You look worn out."

He shook his head. "No need. I couldn't sleep anyway."

Candida remembered Joshua's insomnia. She lowered her eyes, her heart aching for Stella all over again.

Only the sound of Star's violin used to help Joshua find peace enough to sleep. Now... he would never hear it again.

Candida and Antoney didn't stay long. The news that Stella would never play the violin again had hit them hard. Candida feared she might break down in tears in front of Stella, and Antoney didn't want Stella to see how upset and guilty he was. So, the two quietly excused themselves and left.

When they were gone, Joshua remained standing in the room, silent.

Stella studied him. "Joshua, did something happen?"

Ever since Joshua came in, she

hadn't seen the faintest trace of a smile on his face. No wonder Abby had told her he'd been acting

strange lately. Clearly, re

his

memory had affected him more than he let on.

Joshua's gaze lingered on her face, inch by inch. When he finally spoke, his voice was rough. "...It's nothing."

Stella remembered what Abby had told her, and hesitated before asking, “Joshua, now that you've regained your memory... do you have any plans?"

Abby had encouraged her to try to persuade Joshua to stay. Once she returned to The Williams Group ther@would no doubt be even more danger and intrigue waiting for her.

Joshua was resourceful, brave, and had protected her more than once. Every time she had been in trouble, it was just her bad luck that Joshua hadn't been there.

Still, Stella wasn't sure she could convince him to stay.

Joshua, instead of answering, looked at her and asked, "What about you? What are you planning to do?"

Stella didn't hide anything. "Once I've recovered, I'm going to join The Williams Group."