The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

At those words, everyone turned to look at Stella.

She looked a little startled herself.

Abby, who understood Foreman's intentions better than most, quickly tried to smooth things over with a warm smile. "Looks like Mr. Richards is just as tired as the rest of us. Why don't we all get some rest?"

Foreman nodded and called over the butler. "Please prepare two rooms for Ms. Cameron and Ms. Murphy."

The butler gave a respectful nod. "Right away, sir."

After their rooms were ready, Stella made her way to Abby's room.

Frowning slightly, Stella asked, "Abby, do you think it's really appropriate for us to stay at Foreman's place?"

Abby replied, "It's certainly better than you getting caught up in trouble. Besides, I'm here with you. What's there to worry about? And Foreman's not that kind of guy. I really don't think he'd try anything."

Stella shook her head. "It's not that I'm worried about him doing anything-I just feel like we're imposing."

Abby knew Stella well; she'd never been comfortable with even a hint of impropriety around men.

"I'll go talk to Foreman," Abby offered.

Stella nodded in agreement.

minutes later, there was

Abby entered with Foreman.

began gently, "Abby tells me you're not comfortable staying

shook her head. "It's nothing like that. I'm just not used

divorce, Stella had always lived in her

in quietly, then said, "It's already late tonight. Please, stay here for now. Tomorrow, I'll have my people check out the hotels in

was a

relented. "Thank you, Foreman.

smiled. "Whether it's because of "Whether our friendship, or for Haynie's sake, this is the least I can do. But Sandford's a big city-it might take more than a day to

do my best to

ve

it

In the

that, Stella didn't feel she could

came downstairs, he

in the kitchen.

a few prescriptions yesterday,

alongside Mr.

preparing nourishing soups and

wasn't the kind to accept

had been hurt because of her, he'd sheltered both her and Abby, and now was even going out of