The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"You... you actually laid a hand on me? Do you have any idea who I am?!" Seymour's eyes went bloodshot with rage. "I swear, I'll destroy you!"

Joshua's lips curled into a faint, icy smile. His words were just as cold as his expression.

"Let's see if you've got what it takes."

His contempt cut sharper than any blade, stripping Seymour of every ounce of dignity.

All his life, Seymour had never suffered humiliation like this-never once had anyone dared to treat him with such blatant disdain.

Ignoring the pain from his fractured arm, Seymour swung his other fist at Joshua in a blind fury.

Joshua sidestepped easily and then, with one swift kick, caught Seymour just below the knee, striking his weakest point.

"Ah!"

Seymour collapsed hard onto the ground, sprawled in a pitiful heap. The last traces of his privileged upbringing vanished; now, he looked more like a criminal caught in the act than a golden boy.

"Tell me your name if you dare!" Seymour spat, his voice squeezed through clenched teeth.

His face was contorted with rage as he glared up at Joshua.

Joshua looked down at him, impassive. "And what makes you think you deserve to know?"

Seymour's eyes went wide with disbelief, as if he couldn't process what he was seeing.

He'd never met anyone so brash-no, it wasn't just arrogance. This man acted as if the world revolved around him, as if nobody else even mattered.

he treated him as if

striking, cool-faced man. She didn't

features, lending him an almost unearthly beauty-so compelling, it was nearly

wanted to know if he'd risk his own safety, or cower in fear at someone else's

Simone couldn't stop her heart from pounding wildly in her

ready to leave, when suddenly Simone reached out and grabbed his

are you

glanced at her. "I'm going to find Star.

Star...

so naturally, made Simone's breath catch. Jealousy

Joshua,

a bit?

leave, he..." She

"He might try something

won't," Joshua replied. "I've already taken care of him. He's not going

Simone

"But...

voice small. shows up, what

If you leave

someone else like him

do?"

flicker of impatience crossed Joshua's eyes, but the

you-Star is waiting

you're afraid to be here alone, don't you think she might

her, none of us could bear that