The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Since Stella insisted on preparing dinner herself, she didn't walk back with Abby.

When Abby returned carrying the herbal broth, Foreman's assistant had already left.

"Mr. Richards, Star made this nourishing soup for you today," Abby said gently as she set the tray on the table.

During his first couple of days in the hospital, Foreman had needed help with every meal, even just a glass of water. But after that, he insisted on doing things himself.

He accepted the bowl from Abby, managing a tired but grateful smile. "Please thank Star for me."

Foreman finished every last drop.

Abby watched him, unable to hide her admiration. "Back when Star made these broths for Haynes and Keen, Haynes always got caught up in work-he'd eat half, then rush off to deal with something, and the rest would just sit there until he forgot about it. As for Keen, well... he was always tempted by takeout and junk food. He'd have a few bites just to be polite, then refuse to eat any more, never mind how much care Star put into it."

Foreman gave a wry chuckle. "They just didn't know how to appreciate what they had."

What they took for granted, Foreman had nearly risked his life to earn. Now, after all he'd been through, he was finally treated the same as Haynes-a reward paid for in pain and near disaster.

had all

Star? Why

kitchen, making you dinner,"

the lines between his brows deepening. "She could have

gaze, unwilling to admit that Stella was simply too embarrassed to face him. "Star still feels terrible about your accident. Let her do this—it'll help put

He didn't argue further.

when dinnertime came and Stella still hadn't appeared, Abby stood and said, "Mr. Richards, I'll go check on

"Alright," Foreman agreed.

But Abby never returned.

calling her,

spine. Something was off. He immediately sent his people to

news came back quickly: Stella and Abby

bed, his heart pounding. "What's going on? Didn't the hospital already secure the entire building?

supposed attacks had all been part of Foreman's elaborate ruse -a calculated plan to play the

of place Leonard could just send hired killers into on a whim. Stella might not have understood that, but Haynes and Neville certainly did-especially Haynes. After

Novaris.