The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The sound of polished shoes echoed down the hallway, drawing closer with every

step.

Simone's nerves instantly snapped taut.

Should she keep pretending to be asleep?

She hesitated, weighing her options, but then a distorted male voice, filtered through some kind of voice changer, broke the silence.

"I know you're awake."

Since her cover was blown, Simone didn't bother to keep up the pretense. Lifting her head, she demanded, "Who are you? Why did you kidnap me? Is it money you're after?"

The man replied coolly, "Money is the least of my concerns."

Her heart sank. "Then what do you want?"

He gave a low, mocking laugh. “I have some unfinished business with Leonard. Kidnapping you, Miss Lerman, is all about him. I've set a trap here, just waiting for your brother to fall into it.

I've heard you and Leonard are full siblings, inseparable since childhood. I'm curious-will you sacrifice yourself to save your dear brother from my scheme?"

dead. Still, she didn't rush to ask for a call to Leonard. Instead, she tried to stall for time and fish

you, really? What did my

into whatever grudge you

laugh. "A grudge between men? Your brother never cared about that when he went after

The only reason Leonard ever targeted women was for Aurora's sake. Aurora-always Aurora! If it weren't for her, Simone wouldn't be here, tied

you say, I'm innocent in all

sneered, his voice turning cold. "What matters is that you're about to

widened. Any trace

you planning

tve

for help. Tell him he has thirty minutes to get to the location I'll give you. If he's late... Well, Miss Lerman, I'm afraid have to introduce you to some men arranged. If the first one is finished and Leonard still hasn't arrived, then

panic clawing

felt disturbingly familiar-like history repeating

who sent you?!" she

had once used the same tactic against Stella,

when he didn't dare

The man paused.

"Stella? Why do

everything on

brother used Abby.to threaten Stella,