The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

It was Keen's first time here, and everything about the place intrigued him.

Stella had prepared a room just for him.

Her apartment was spacious; besides her own bedroom, and the ones reserved for Abby Murphy and Marvin, there were still two empty rooms left.

When she finished making up the guest room, Stella found Keen sitting quietly on the living room couch, lost in thought.

She walked over and asked, "What would you like for dinner tonight? I'll cook something for you."

Keen snapped out of his daze. "Your hand is hurt, Mom. You shouldn't be cooking. Let's just order takeout instead."

As he spoke, something seemed to occur to him. He turned to Stella and said, "Mom, that ointment I gave you isn't just for scars. It helps with swelling and bruises, too."

Eager to be helpful, Keen added, "Let me put some on your hand."

Stella didn't refuse. She took the ointment Keen had given her out of her bag.

Keen tried to recall the instructions Mr. Richards had told him, and then gently applied the ointment to the scrape on Stella's arm.

A faint, soothing fragrance slowly filled the room.

Stella had studied medicine for a while, so she could tell at a glance that the ointment was of excellent quality.

asked, "Did your father give this to

head. "No, I bought

Stella didn't press further.

O'Brien Group, President's Office.

Richards reported Karl's situation

listened, frowning. "You're saying Karl was stripped naked and dumped in

nodded. "Yes. Our people only roughed him up a bit, but apparently someone

probably pin

cross. Beating someone up is one thing, but humiliating

teacup and took

way they can trace this back to us. And judging by what happened, Karl's

"And even if they do suspect us,

be afraid of

now?" vel

"I'm not worried about

me is

to blame, he might go after Star

Foreman replied, his tone certain and

"And how can you be

hand paused on the cup, a fleeting darkness passing through