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."

surprisingly civil, and extended his

"Mr. O'Brien. A pleasure."

didn't hesitate; he shook

Lerman. I've heard a

to Stella, and he offered his hand to

Cameron, I've heard Aurora mention you often. Now that I finally meet you, I must say, the

frowned, about

eyes flashed, cold and sharp

was wrong, Haynes reached out to push

pistol appeared as if from

a dangerous smile. "If

Haynes's face darkened.

a couple of seconds

rage. "Leonard, what

all

5 wo 4 Dehind

happened to Aurora? Well, let's

"

already cleared this up! Star

didn't, and that's enough for you? There's not even a shadow

The truth was, deep down, he still harbored suspicions about

%UT¢

it-if she could betray her own family and our interests-then keeping her around would only bring more trouble Wouldn't it be better if just ended it right now? I'd be solving