The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Joshua said, “Star is Keen's mother, but she's not your wife anymore. Sure, you're Keen's father, but you and Star-whatever was between you ended a long time ago. So really, there's nothing here to argue about."

Stella fell silent.

Joshua's tongue was as sharp as ever, she thought.

After Joshua disappeared overnight, neither Stella nor Haynes thought much of it. They just assumed he'd stayed to look after Keen.

Haynes was never one for pointless arguments, especially not childish bickering like this. He couldn't be bothered to respond to Joshua, so he turned to Stella instead.

"Star, you don't need to stress about the money. I'll help you figure it out," Haynes said gently. "Right now, the O'Brien Group can free up about five hundred million dollars in liquid assets. I'll find a way to cover the rest. Don't worry-I promise, within three days, I'll get you everything you need."

Joshua glanced at Stella in surprise. "Why do you suddenly need so much cash?"

her plan

hold him accountable right now, so I might as well use this as an opportunity to get something out of it. Shawn's father is about to run in the upcoming election-this is the perfect time to negotiate with the Pearce family. Once the election is over, he won't be so easy to deal with anymore. Besides, even if we do find Shawn, apart

use me as a bargaining chip to squeeze benefits from the Pearces and then walk away with the spoils, I'd rather act first and claim what I deserve.

plan was entirely Stella's own

exactly why Haynes realized

as much as gain and loss. If Stella insisted on pursuing the issue, all she'd get in the end was a hollow apology

nothing ef

Pearces to cough up some concessions.

of someone who'd finally grown

for some reason, Haynes felt a tightness in his chest. How much had Stella been through to become