The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 25

As Stella waited, she chatted with her captor about family, kids, and marriage.

Surprisingly, the kidnapper had a happy family—a loving wife and a bright daughter. He had invested in a project to provide a better life for them but ended up losing everything.

He confided in Stella, admitting even if he managed to pay off his debts, he would still end up behind bars. But he wanted to ensure his wife and daughter wouldn't be harassed by debt collectors, hoping to give them a peaceful future.

Stella listened, her emotions a whirlwind of sympathy and confusion.

Outside, negotiators and police officers' voices echoed without pause. The kidnapper's initial frenzy gradually gave way to a calmer demeanor.

"You know," he said, "the lives of wealthy folks aren't that happy, either. If it weren't for me, you'd be dead today. What I lost was just money, but you, you could have lost your life."

realizing how much time had passed. His gaze softened with a hint of pity. "Miss,

her go. A sudden, terrifying gunshot rang out, and the kidnapper

blood splattered on Stella's face, and her mind went blank. It was the

the kidnapper was down, police and medics rushed in to rescue her. Yet, Haynes never

of check-ups, she

finally remembered her call. "Did you

kidnapped, how is she here? Trying to pull a sympathy stunt to get Haynie's attention, huh? Haynie, look at her, not a scratch on her. Kidnapped, yeah, right! She can't even put on a convincing

"Ms. Cameron, if you found it too troublesome to bring my meals,

banter pegged her kidnapping as a ploy

oblivious to Stella's ordeal.

I'll see you at the city hall tomorrow at