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?"

flinched at that, unable

with pain; screaming was almost automatic. In fact, it was the body's way of coping-a small,

suggestion that Stella shouldn't even cry out

the agony that shot through

worried Leonard had gone too far. He spoke up, his voice edged with unease. “Leonard, that's enough. She's already been taught a lesson. In her condition, she probably

shot him a cold glance. "What's there to be afraid of? As long

get your hands

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

most he'd have someone ruin Stella's hand. But Leonard wanted more than that he wanted Stella to

on the international stage.

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

was simply no need for this kind

man, but tormenting a woman like this crossed a line he wasn't willing to

thoughts were interrupted by a sudden gasp-Abby's voice, sharp

bastard! What kind of man