The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Foreman nearly burst out laughing in exasperation. "So, being close to Star is a threat to her reputation, but you being glued to her side is perfectly fine? Mr. Joshua, don't you think you're being just a bit hypocritical?"

Joshua answered coolly, "I'm Star's bodyguard. My job is to keep her safe, so of course it's only natural that I stay close. But you, Mr. Richards... As Mr. O'Brien's friend, you seem to care an awful lot more about Star than her ex-husband does." Haynes' gaze flickered, but Foreman's expression turned cold.

"Star is Keen's mother," Foreman replied, his voice steady. "After everything that happened with Rachel's scheming, we misunderstood Star and treated her unfairly. We owe her, and it's only right to make amends. Besides..." He glanced at Haynes, a trace of guilt clouding his features. "Last time, Haynie specifically told me to look after Star, but because of my carelessness, she was kidnapped. I've known Star for years-what's wrong with checking on her? And you aren't you overstepping by calling your own boss 'Star'? Doesn't that seem a little inappropriate for a bodyguard?"

Joshua chuckled, amusement tinged with mockery. "If you can call her 'Star,' why can't I? You're so worried about appearances, but you're the one calling her by her first name every other sentence. Maybe you should take a look in the mirror. Mr. Richards, don't you think you're a bit too concerned about your friend's ex- wife?"

Foreman opened his mouth to retort, but caught Haynes watching him thoughtfully out of the corner of his eye. He fell silent, shoulders stiffening.

Haynes finally spoke. "Enough. Let's head downstairs and wait for Star."

With Haynes putting an end to the argument, Foreman had no ground left to stand

on.

"...All right."

out of Joshua's sight, Foreman hurried to explain himself. "Haynie, don't listen to

didn't believe a word he said, but Foreman, don't you think you've been unusually

verbose; it was Joshua's needling that had gotten under his skin and

...

Stella stepped out to find Joshua waiting alone outside her door. Haynes and Foreman

surprised. "Why

slightly, his voice low. "I didn't feel comfortable leaving you alone. Something about tonight just

there something wrong with

head after a moment's thought. "No, nothing specific. It's just a feeling.

nodded, understanding. "I wonder if Leonard and Sellers

out and about anytime soon As for Leonard. he has

he regrets it." Joshua's

make

a faint smile, but his eyes were