The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's expression turned grave. "What happened to Joshua?"

Abby got to her feet, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Star, do you want to come with me to the hospital?"

Without missing a beat, Stella replied, "Yes, I'm coming with you."

By the time they arrived at the hospital, Joshua was already out of emergency

care.

He was a capable driver, and thankfully, his injuries weren't too serious. There was a deep gash on his forehead that had needed several stitches, now hidden beneath thick bandages.

Abby moved to the edge of his bed, concern etched on her face. "Joshua, what happened? How did you end up in a car accident?"

The car involved was a recent reward from Stella to Joshua-a new ride that Abby had picked out for him. It wasn't anything extravagant, costing about fifteen grand, just something reliable for getting around. The car had been delivered only yesterday, and now, less than twenty-four hours later, Joshua had crashed it.

Joshua didn't answer right away. He hesitated, as if unsure how much to reveal.

Noticing his discomfort, Stella pressed gently, "Joshua, is there something you're not telling us?"

He fell silent for a few seconds before finally saying, "The brakes failed. Out of nowhere."

Stella and Abby exchanged uneasy glances.

Abby spoke in a low voice, "When it was delivered yesterday, everything seemed

fine. There wasn't the slightest problem."

to Abby. "Did you

head. "I've been swamped at work, so I arranged for the

back to Joshua. "Did you

"No. Today was the first time I took it

but the very first time Joshua got behind the wheel, the brakes failed. Stella's eyes narrowed. She didn't

"Abby, can you look into the details of that dealership

had made plenty of enemies-people who'd go to any length to hurt her. Maybe this wasn't about Joshua at

out everything I

to Joshua, her voice soft with regret. "I'm sorry. I never wanted to drag you

not be because of

didn't know anyone outside their circle. It had to be because of her. The car had been meant as a

long, Abby returned,

asked, "Did you

at Stella, lowering her voice. "That dealership is owned by

Stella's face darkened.

not be Haynes. Maybe there was a real problem with the car when

"Let the professionals figure that out. We'll have

car. We should have a

Stella nodded. "Good."

leaving Joshua's room, Abby finally let the question on her mind slip out. "Star,

O'Brien Group. Who else but him could tamper with the brakes

go that far, just because he doesn't like

a thought occurred to her. "Wait-didn't Sellers' brakes get sabotaged