The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes could only keep bailing people out, running himself ragged thanks to Jasper's nonstop troublemaking.

Joshua said, “But Foreman and Haynes-they've been friends since childhood, right? Can you really trust someone who'd turn on his own best friend?"

Abby replied, "Foreman's put up with them for a long time. But honestly? They crossed way too many lines. Eventually, you just can't look the other way anymore. Besides, for Keen's sake, he doesn't want things spiraling out of control."

She paused, then added, "Foreman helped Star out, but it didn't actually hurt Jasper in any real way. And remember, when Sellers was targeting Jasper a while back, it was Foreman who stepped in to help-he even talked Haynes into helping too. He's loyal to his friends, even if they don't always deserve it."

Joshua fell silent, having nothing more to say.

Out in the hallway, Stella answered Foreman's call.

"Star," Foreman said, "are you free today? There's something I need to tell you."

His voice dropped to a low, serious tone. "It's about Joshua."

Stella was quiet for a few seconds. "Alright. The same café as before?"

"Yeah. See you there," Foreman replied.

letting Abby and Joshua know where

She arrived early, only to find Foreman

she approached, pulling

for beating Harry

wrapped gift box that had been sitting on

well by now,

open it?" Foreman prompted,

box to reveal an exquisitely crafted crystal music box. Inside, a delicate figurine of a young woman stood

melody of "Moonlight" drifted softly from within. As the music played, the figurine moved, bowing the

face was so finely carved, Stella recognized herself

"This is..."

and earnest. "I met a master sculptor while I was away on business not long ago. I asked him to make it for you. Do

this beautiful and

was an exact replica of the Nocturne Stella. Even at that scale, every detail was perfectly

much care had

Stella