The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Just then, footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Turning her head, Stella saw Haynes appear, his face pale as a ghost.

As soon as he caught sight of her, Haynes asked, "How's Star doing?"

Joshua shook his head. "I'm not sure. I just got here myself."

Without another word, Haynes knocked gently and stepped into the hospital room. Inside, Abby was hunched over Stella's bedside, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Star, this is all my fault," she choked out, her voice trembling. "If I hadn't run my mouth, Leonard wouldn't have targeted you, and your hands... they wouldn't be

Her tears fell fast and heavy, like pearls slipping off a broken necklace.

Since she'd regained consciousness, Abby had been drowning in guilt.

Stella was only recently awake herself. She tried to comfort Abby, her voice soft but steady. "Abby, this has nothing to do with what you said the other day. Even if you'd kept quiet, the fact that Aurora is illegitimate would have come out eventually, and Leonard would still have blamed me. That's just the way he is."

She reached for Abby's hand, her own wrapped thickly in bandages. "The important thing is that you're safe. If anything had happened to you... I don't think I could've forgiven myself."

Abby was caught in the aftermath of Stella's troubles-there was no denying it.

Leonard hadn't gone so far as to actually hurt her. And thank God Foreman's people had arrived in time, or

Stella's words only made

flicker of regret crossed his face, quickly replaced by a simmering hatred for Leonard. If he ever had the chance

his throat, breaking the tension. "I've already contacted Dr. Burton. He'll be arriving in Sandford

Dr. Burton, Stella's eyes flickered

a few moments, then said, "It was Leonard who orchestrated the kidnapping, not Sellers. Sellers never laid a hand on me. Please, don't mention

was still thinking of her relationship

She

him

to Leonard, Sellers' past mischief seemed

someone knocked

Joshua following close

pale and fragile, her hands

glanced at her, then quickly looked

her side, his voice rough with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Star. I should've

shook her head. "It's not your fault. I crossed paths with someone I wasn't prepared to handle. No one can Shield me forever.

barely above a

he alright?"

fine," Haynes assured