The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes narrowed his dark eyes. "Then explain this: why are you so intent on slandering Star, while trying to clear Leonard's name?"

He stared hard at Israel, his tone cold and sharp. "Leonard kidnapped Star. The evidence is overwhelming everyone online saw it. As Star's family, shouldn't you be seeking justice for her? So why are you defending the man who hurt her? Or is there some secret deal between you and Leonard that we don't know about?"

By the end, Haynes's words had Israel completely on the defensive, unable to offer any reply.

"That's enough," Skyler cut in at just the right moment, stopping the argument from getting out of hand. "Once Star is out of surgery, we'll ask Shawn directly."

Haynes looked away, his expression indifferent as he waited quietly for news from the operating room.

Foreman stood by the window, gazing at the night beyond the glass. Outwardly calm, inside he was anything but. This chance was once in a lifetime, yet it had all gone up in smoke-thanks to Joshua ruining everything.

The more Foreman thought about it, the more he wanted Joshua out of the picture for good.

It was only then he realized Joshua, who was usually glued to Stella's side, never more than a step away, had disappeared. Foreman found it odd, but didn't dwell on it long. He assumed Joshua had gone to check on Keen.

Truth be told, Foreman couldn't stand Joshua. Not having him around made even the air feel fresher.

No one else seemed to notice that Joshua was already gone.

was wheeled

condition had stabilized, but

Jonathan. "Jonathan, Star's out of danger

birthday party tonight. She probably still has a million things to take care of. Why don't you take her home? Coleman and I can handle

exhausted from schmoozing and dealing with Simone's scandalous photos at the party, was only too happy to agree. He certainly had no desire to sit vigil over Stella, who he could

turned to Aurora.

then

Shawn

up

reported the situation to

for a moment before saying, "The security footage shows Shawn was pretty badly hurt. It'state-let's just leave it for now Tomorrow, you and I will go to the Pearce

swallowed his anger

even if Stella was willing to let Shawn

of him, and Jonathan's pride was in tatters. If word of this got out, where would his authority be? Would

as Skyler and Jonathan

to confront them, the Pearce