The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

As they brushed past each other in the hallway, Foreman's expression suddenly changed. Without warning, he shoved Stella out of the way.

"Star, get down!"

A flash of cold steel sliced through the air, catching Foreman's arm just as he moved.

The waiter, seeing his first attack had failed, lunged again, knife in hand, aiming straight for Stella.

Foreman reacted instantly, landing a swift kick that sent the man sprawling across the floor. The assailant scrambled up to flee, realizing he'd missed his chance. Without hesitating, he darted away and disappeared.

Foreman didn't give chase. He knew it could be a diversion-a classic bait-and- switch. If he left Stella and Abby alone, there could be more danger waiting.

Abby and Stella stared anxiously at Foreman's bleeding arm.

"Mr. Richards, you're hurt! You need to get to a hospital right away," Abby said, voice trembling.

Foreman's eyes flickered with concern. "Not yet. If there are more of them waiting at the hospital, I might not be able to protect you and Star in my condition."

Abby glanced nervously around the lobby, afraid another attacker would spring from the shadows. "Should we call Neville's people to come protect us?"

watch from a distance. If they show themselves, our enemies might get

were fraying. "Then... should we

again. "If a hitman could pose as a hotel waiter, it means the place

helpless. "So what do we

place. With my security, there's no way

soaking through the sleeve of his white shirt.

"Alright," she agreed softly.

faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on

...

Foreman's villa. The place was spacious and spotless, well-lit, and free of the cold

Foreman's private physician was already waiting, along with

carefully cleaned and bandaged Foreman's arm. "The cut isn't large, but it's deep.

dry-no

a while, or it might

turned to his assistant. "Go back to the hotel

Richards. Oh-and..." The assistant

the office that needs

it here,"