The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The air felt thick, as if time itself had frozen.

It was a long moment before Skyler finally spoke. "Star, your father will take care

of this. You've been through enough of a shock today-go home and get some rest."

Stella rose to her feet. "Alright, then I won't keep you any longer."

She and Joshua left the room.

As soon as they were gone, Skyler turned on Israel and Coleman, his anger barely contained.

"You two are absolutely useless! One can't keep his cool, the other jumps at every rumor. You sent men out in broad daylight to chase down your own sister! If word gets out, we'll be the laughingstock of the entire city!"

Israel and Coleman hung their heads, not daring to reply. It was true-the mess they'd created today was a direct result of their own poor judgment.

Skyler lectured them a while longer before finally dismissing them.

Out in the hallway, Aurora addressed the group. "I just talked to Queenie. Sellers has been found—he's in the hospital now. I'm going to check on him.”

you. I should

solid working relationship and had collaborated on more than

Aurora nodded her agreement.

straight to the

a patch of uninjured skin left. Even his

brow furrowed. "Sellers... how did

don't know the details yet. But one thing's

had been roommates back in college, sharing not just

a classic,

and full of life When she smiled, dimples formed in her cheeks,

was the sort of beauty who radiated softness and warmth, a gentle contrast to the bolder allure of women like Aurora or Simone Lerman. Yet, Queenie was never the background in any room-hen sweetness simply

snapped out of his shock. "Sellers is

dare put him through this? Where did you

replied, "In Sandford, just

the last place he was seen before

know