The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

If Leonard really left by helicopter, then all their careful arrangements had been for nothing.

So much time had passed already-Leonard had probably made his escape.

The whole room fell silent, the atmosphere turning cold and heavy.

Foreman's thoughts drifted to Sellers, still locked up in the basement.

At least he still had Sellers in his grasp; he could vent his frustration on him for

now.

Foreman cleared his throat, breaking the tense quiet.

"I have some things to take care of. I'll head back first."

At that moment, everyone's attention was on Stella's injured hand and the news that Leonard had slipped away from Novaris. No one noticed Foreman quietly leave.

Even Haynes only gave him a cursory glance before looking away.

Neville spoke up, "Since Leonard's gotten away, let's put his case aside for now. Stella's treatment takes priority."

Abby finally pulled herself together, her voice trembling.

"Stella's supposed to compete the day after tomorrow, but now... I'm afraid..."

Everyone knew the truth: Stella would likely never compete again.

was only two matches away from clinching the championship.

from the corners of

statement

Abby. "Don't try to cover

moment, then understood his

after all, stemmed from Aurora. Her admirer had not only kidnapped Stella but ruined her hand-the Williams family owed Stella an

"All right. I

Leonard to apologize, we can't let him

Neville nodded in agreement.

show his face, there's no way he'll

need for words. For now, they were on

was, after all, head of the Lerman family. Bringing

Neville had more to arrange and soon left Abby's

Joshua remained, silent

him, lips parted

you need

there, Stella

spoke. "How exactly

"I blacked out. I don't

further. "Where were

it happened at the

known each other long enough for Joshua to recognize a lie

didn't push it. Instead,

said,

for a