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.

status; he treated

staring at the striking, cool-faced man. She didn't come

lending him an almost unearthly beauty-so compelling, it was nearly impossible to look straight

was supposed to be her test for Joshua-a trial to see if he was truly worth her time and effort. She wanted to know if he'd risk his own safety, or cower in

all staged, Simone couldn't stop her

checked his watch, ready to leave, when suddenly Simone reached out and

where are

to find Star. She's still waiting

Star...

said her name, so naturally, made Simone's breath catch. Jealousy flared,

Joshua,

bit? I'm worried

leave, he..." She glanced

"He might

already taken care of him. He's not going to

Simone

"But...

small. shows up,

scared. If

someone else like him

do?"

of impatience crossed Joshua's eyes, but

you-Star is

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

none of us