The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She never expected him to come after her for revenge-let alone try to kill her.

Foreman's face stiffened. "Did Karl... say anything to you?"

Stella shook her head. "No. He wouldn't dare show his face, and besides, he's not even in Neo-Vespera right now."

Foreman lowered his gaze, watching the dark swirl of coffee in his cup.

The bitter aroma lingered in the air, masking the turmoil behind his eyes.

Suddenly, Foreman asked, "Star, have you heard about what happened to Karl a while ago—when he was left out in the street with nothing on?"

Stella nodded. "I heard a little about it."

But she hadn't given it much thought.

With someone like Karl, it was no surprise he had plenty of enemies. Whatever payback he got always seemed just a matter of time.

Foreman's eyes settled on her face, his expression unreadable. "Do you think... maybe that incident is why Karl's holding a grudge against you?"

Stella frowned. "What's that got to do with me?"

Then, the implication hit her. "Wait, you mean he's blaming me for it?"

Foreman hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his features.

long pause, he finally

teach him a lesson. I figured if Karl went looking for trouble, he'd go after Haynes, not you. I didn't expect he'd take it out on

were barely

Stella, still reeling from the revelation, didn't

Haynes did it?

brow furrowed, frustration rising inside

put Karl in his

of the competition, Joshua was in the hospital with serious injuries, and her own hand

wanted

or just putting her in harm's

with Haynes grew

Haynes just wanted to help

so you couldn't

the competition on time..."

Stella's eyes flickered.

went on, "I doubt Haynes ever imagined Karl would go

for any of

Stella fell silent.

It wasn't impossible.

Still-

would rough Karl up, but stripping him and dumping him in the street? That doesn't sound