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."

pity. "Miss, thanks for talking with me. Compared to you,

have misunderstood his gesture to let her go. A sudden, terrifying gunshot rang

and her mind went blank. It was

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

a series of check-ups, she ran into Rachel, who had just

you call earlier saying you got

she here? Trying to pull a sympathy stunt to get Haynie's attention, huh? Haynie, look

up and said, "Ms. Cameron, if you found it too troublesome to

and Rachel's dismissive banter pegged her kidnapping as a ploy to

solely on Rachel, oblivious to Stella's ordeal. From

games, I'll see you at the city hall tomorrow