The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella had sent people to investigate Jake, but no matter how hard they tried, they came up empty-handed.

Deep down, she understood the truth-anyone who could produce five billion dollars at the drop of a hat was operating on a level far beyond her reach.

The reality was, she was never going to find anything useful.

When Foreman heard about her efforts, he rushed to her office, anxious to talk her out of it.

"Star, you can't trust this guy. He's probably a scam artist. Or maybe he's just trying to sabotage your fundraising. He doesn't want you to succeed."

Stella had considered that possibility too, but Jake's words had been so confident, so matter-of-fact, that she just couldn't believe he was bluffing.

She'd met her fair share of people over the years; she wasn't some naïve rookie. And Jake? He just didn't give off the vibe of a conman.

Foreman's voice broke through her thoughts again.

"Star, you don't have to worry about the money. Haynie and I—we'll figure something out for you. I promise, we'll raise the funds you need within three days."

Stella gave him a grateful smile. "I can't thank you both enough for being willing to help me like this. But it's not a small sum... If anything happens to your company, if your cash flow gets disrupted, you could be in real trouble."

She looked up at Foreman, her eyes serious. "That's why, after thinking it over, I've decided to sell one percent of my founding shares. I'll use the money as capital for future investments and as working funds."

and gentle, like

around borrowing money every

You're going to sell your

the shareholders who supported my mother's side. They're willing to buy them and have promised that I can buy them back anytime I

owed everything to her mother, Nora. Their

mother's legacy to you-your safety net! How can

the

by how

Standing beside Foreman, his

Ray couldn't help

"Mr. Richards has sold

ie

raise the money. And now Ms.

didn't get to finish before Foreman rounded on him. "Ray, that's

dropped his gaze and

Foreman to go so far

thank you for being willing to help me. About

cool, crisp voice that rang