The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The moment Stella saw this man, every hair on her arms stood on end. An

inexplicable sense of danger prickled at the back of her mind.

Sensing her unease, Haynes quietly stepped forward, positioning himself between Stella and the stranger, shielding her from the man's gaze.

"Mr. Lerman, you're here too?"

Leonard's eyes settled coldly on Haynes, the curve of his lips icy and unsettling.

"Mr. O'Brien, you came all the way to the Williams estate-just to play mediator for your ex-wife?"

Haynes's expression remained composed; he didn't bother denying it.

"Stella is Keen's mother. If I don't protect her, who will?"

His meaning was clear: Stella was under his protection.

Leonard's smile tightened, but he said nothing more. He strolled down the steps, then turned to Jonathan.

"Mr. Williams, aren't you going to introduce us?"

Jonathan rose at the cue, his voice polite but tense.

"Leonard, this is our youngest sister, Stella. And this... is Keen's father, Haynes."

civil, and

"Mr. O'Brien. A pleasure."

he shook Leonard's

Lerman. I've heard

shifted to Stella, and he offered his hand

Cameron, I've heard Aurora mention you often. Now that I finally meet you, I must say, the stories didn't do you

frowned, about

instant, Leonard's eyes flashed, cold and sharp as

wrong, Haynes reached out to

appeared as if from nowhere, pressed hard against

lips curling into a dangerous

Haynes's face darkened.

and Jonathan froze in shock, taking a couple of seconds before

trembled with rage. "Leonard, what the hell

replied calmly, "Weren't you all dying to know

5 wo 4 Dehind

to Aurora? Well, let's hear

"

this up! Star didn't do it. Leonard, let her go.

that's enough for you? There's not

unable to answer. The truth was, deep down, he still

%UT¢

would only bring more trouble Wouldn't it