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."

a hint of pity. "Miss, thanks

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

face, and her mind went blank. It was the first time she had seen someone die

kidnapper was down, police and medics rushed in to rescue

hospital, as she underwent a series of check-ups, she ran into Rachel, who had just come out

call. "Did you

scoffed, "Oh please, if she got 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!

too troublesome to bring my meals, please say it. Please don't joke about something like

Rachel's dismissive banter pegged her kidnapping as a

her kidnap was true. But he didn't. His focus was solely on Rachel, oblivious to

see you at the city hall tomorrow at nine for the