The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 553

Stella glanced at Haynes without betraying any emotion, then lowered her gaze.

She climbed into the vehicle without another word.

Benson had brought around an oversized SUV, its cavernous trunk stacked high with nineteen suitcases.

As Stella was about to start the engine, Joshua-who had been silent until now- finally spoke up.

"Ms. Cameron."

She looked over at him.

Joshua offered her a gentle smile. "Take care."

Stella nodded, her hesitation gone. She started the car.

Haynes, Foreman, and Joshua stood in place, watching as she drove away. In the rearview mirror, their figures shrank smaller and smaller until they vanished from sight.

Stella's hand slipped into her pocket, brushing against something cold. Her pupils flinched.

A pistol.

She steadied her nerves and focused on the road ahead.

About twenty minutes later, Stella reached a secluded spot on the outskirts of town. An abandoned warehouse loomed before her, surrounded by dense brush and tangled undergrowth-a place perfect for hiding, but a nightmare for anyone hoping to stage a rescue.

Whoever chose this place for a handoff was clever-maybe too clever.

Stella parked, her

Leave the keys in the ignition. My people will check the money. Once

back.

inside the warehouse. Someone will bring you to

fingers brushed the pistol in her pocket

"All right."

out and made her way toward the

team would be tailing her, likely tracking her

discreet device hidden in the

she noticed it was

it open, the hinges groaning under

Inside, a

closed door down the hall. They'd clearly been expecting her and didn't even look surprised

burly

she

guards simply

guard by how cooperative they were. Was it a

room,

swept her gaze around the space, searching for anything

spotted her,

"Mom!"

small knife she always carried, sliced through

himself

back, her voice soft and soothing. "Keen, did

shook his head. "No. They