The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Jonathan looked slightly uneasy. "No, of course not. You're family to us, Stella. We'd never think of trading you for anything."

He hesitated, then added, "We just wanted to draw them out—and once they show themselves, we'll rescue Aurora and Queenie."

Stella nodded, understanding instantly. "So, you're planning to use me as bait?” Jonathan replied, "Star, we'll make sure you're safe. I promise."

Before Stella could answer, Leonard suddenly interjected, his tone cold as steel. "If Aurora hadn't taken the fall for you, she never would've been kidnapped. Using you as bait is the least you owe her. You better pray nothing happens to Aurora. If she gets hurt in any way, you'll be the first one I come after."

Only then did Stella turn her gaze to Leonard. Her voice dropped, icy and sharp. "And who do you think you are, barging in here and making threats? Get out. You're not welcome."

Leonard hadn't expected Stella to talk back to him so bluntly. For a moment, he looked genuinely stunned.

Even now, with everything going on, Stella still had the nerve to act so defiant. Israel's anger flared. "Stella, this isn't your playground! You're not the head of the Williams family—what you say doesn't count here."

Stella's cold stare pinned Israel in place. "So, because you're in charge, you think you can just let the man who kidnapped me and shattered my hand waltz back in here like nothing happened? You treat him like an old friend and expect me to play nice, is that it?"

over the Williams family, her words dripping with sarcasm. "Is that

her eyes lingering on each of them. "Or is it just when it comes to me

too. We think the same people who took Simone and Aurora might be behind this. And Leonard has better contacts in... less savory circles.

a humorless laugh. "So, as long as someone's useful to you, it doesn't matter if they're your worst enemy-you'll invite them in, offer them a

"Stella, that's not fair. This is different, and besides

an eyebrow. "So,

comes out of this unharmed, does that mean I can start inviting oil tycoons and bankers over

They're pillars

too,

partner up with them while we're at

fell into

eyes narrowed, burning with hatred. "Your own family's been kidnapped and you're still cracking jokes. Admit it, you