The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Abby's heart skipped a beat under Leonard's icy stare, a cold sweat prickling down her back. Every instinct screamed that this man was dangerous, not someone to cross lightly.

But when her gaze flickered to Stella standing beside her, Abby mustered her courage and spoke up, forcing her voice to stay steady. "If anyone's been talking about your precious goddess, it was me-not Star. She had nothing to do with it. If you're looking for someone to blame, take it out on me. Let Star go!"

Abby took a shaky breath, locking eyes with Leonard. "Star is part of the Williams family. If you dare touch her, they'll come after you-and you can forget about ever being with Aurora."

For a moment, Leonard was silent. Then, unexpectedly, he started to laugh. The sound was light, but something about it made Abby's skin crawl.

He clapped his hands lightly. "Ms. Murphy, you really do live up to your reputation as the top agent in the business. Quite the silver tongue you've got there."

His smile never reached his eyes. "Since you want me to come after you instead... very well. I'll grant your wish."

Leonard turned to his men. "Is Sellers Burton here?"

"He's arrived," one of them replied. "Waiting outside."

Leonard

villa. He hadn't

emergency, Leonard?

his throat

“You actually managed to get

watching over Stella, Leonard still managed to capture

regarded Sellers coolly. "I hear you and

a few minor disagreements. With

l.ne

all, he and Karl had both suffered at Stella's hands, but he'd never dared retaliate. Stella's connectionsmade her untouchable, not someone to be trifled with. Even without Mr. Burton's ties, she was still a Williams; she wasn't someone you

at the drop of a hat. That's why he'd always subtly pushed Leonard to deal with Stella instead. If Stella suffered, Sellers could feel avenged, but the fallout-anothe blame-would land squarely on Leonard's

hadn't clawed his way to the head of the family without seeing through Sellers' little ploys. He