The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Even now, she was still determined to keep her promise.

Leonard was the kind of man who would keep his word, but only if it involved someone he actually cared about. When it came to a promise made to an enemy... well, that was just another weapon in his arsenal-a way to toy with them.

Leonard arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Stella's willingness to go through with it.

He pretended to consider for a few seconds. "But Ms. Cameron, if you don't do it yourself, won't it look like we're ganging up on a defenseless woman? If you go complaining afterward, that could get us in a lot of trouble."

Although his words sounded cautious, his face betrayed not the slightest hint of fear or concern.

Stella understood: Leonard didn't actually care whether she did it herself.

Her lips, drained of all color, trembled as she spoke. "Then what exactly do you intend, Mr. Lerman?"

Leonard grinned at her. "Since you're not exactly in fighting shape, I won't make things hard for you. Let's try something new. When I break your hand in a minute, for every scream you let out, I'll send one of your dear friends a man to keep them company. How does that sound?"

at that, unable to hide his

In fact, it was the body's way of coping-a small, desperate defense

suggestion that Stella shouldn't even cry out was tantamount to killing

the agony that shot through

edged with unease. “Leonard, that's enough. She's already been taught a lesson. In her condition, she probably won't ever play the violin again. She's

to be afraid of? As long as we have Stella, Foreman and

hands dirty, just stay out of

ways he'd imagined punishing Stella were child's play compared to Leonard's. Leonard's methods were

it had been up to him, at most he'd have someone ruin Stella's hand. But Leonard wanted more than that he wanted Stella

career, making waves on the international stage. If nothing went wrong, she was a shoo-in for the

her hand, to destroy her mother's cherished violin, to tear apart her future and

enough? There was simply no need for

have been a good man, but tormenting a woman like

by a sudden

cowardly bastard! What kind