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.

and Joshua know where she was headed, Stella

arrived early, only

pulling out

for beating Harry and taking first place in the

on the table. "This is for you—a

other well by now,

you going to open it?" Foreman

unwrapping the box to reveal an exquisitely crafted crystal music box. Inside, a delicate figurine of a young woman stood poised with a violin,

softly from within. As the music played, the figurine moved, bowing the violin in perfect time

woman's face was so finely carved, Stella recognized

"This is..."

gaze softened, his eyes dark and earnest. "I met a master sculptor while I was away on business not long ago. I asked him to make it for

could resist something this beautiful and

at the tiny violin in the figurine's hands-it was an exact replica of the

was obvious how much

Stella said, "Thank you. I love