The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's voice was calm, steady as still water.

"If Shawn is so important to you both," she said quietly, "why not just knock me out and toss me into his bed? That way, you can make amends and grant Shawn his wish all at once. Wouldn't that be easier?"

A cold, derisive laugh slipped from Israel. "So, Stella, have you finally taken a liking to Shawn? Can't wait to climb into his bed, is that it—"

Before he could finish, Jonathan cut him off, his tone sharp as steel. "That's enough, Israel."

At the same moment, a mug sailed through the air and struck Israel squarely on the head.

Smash. The mug hit the floor and shattered, shards skittering across the hardwood.

Israel staggered, seeing stars, and it took him a while to collect himself.

Joshua's voice rang out cool and clear from across the room. "She's your sister, not someone you can insult whenever you feel like it. You haven't even bothered to ask what happened, but you're so quick to pass judgment. It's a pretty ugly look, don't you think? If you can't muster a little respect, I'd be glad to teach you some manners myself."

Israel opened his mouth to argue, but Jonathan silenced him with a look.

to Stella, a note

his mind. He'd heard rumors about Shawn's wandering hands. Paired with what Stella had hinted at earlier, he could piece together most of the

with Shawn, he

you both expect me to just

if he wanted to say something, but Stella spoke again before

remember, when your old business partner made a

Aurora, you punched

deal-after ten years of working together. You

and

that

His company went The man jumped from his office window because of the debt.

to s

him a chilly little smile. "It was quite the

his hairline, his expression dark and uncertain. He wanted to argue, but the

finally managed, "You and Aurora aren't