The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She knew that if she wanted to reach the finish line, it would take twice as much effort as anyone else.

But for them, with all those advantages on their side, maybe they'd only need to give half as much to get there.

Stella hadn't expected Haynes to comfort her like this.

This was something she used to long for, something she'd never been able to get, no matter how hard she tried.

Even though she no longer loved Haynes, hearing those words still stirred something inside her that she couldn't quite suppress.

Softly, she said, "Thank you, Haynes."

Haynes studied her face, now noticeably thinner. "You used to tell me not to push myself too hard, to take care of my health. You should do the same now."

"I know," Stella replied quietly.

Just then, someone knocked gently at the office door.

A young man-handsome, impeccably dressed-walked in, carrying a stack of folders.

"Star, here's your schedule for next week. Take a look and let me know if there's anything you'd rather skip."

It was Joshua Gardner.

sitting on the sofa, and flashed him a faint, almost mocking smile. "Mr. Richards's company is on the brink of collapse, and yet Mr. O'Brien still has the leisure to sit here and drink

words were calculated to

respond. Instead, he turned back to Stella. "That's basically the situation on his end. If I hear

Joshua. "Thank you. I

usually cool expression softened for just a

goodbye to Stella, he left

she couldn't stand men

cling-but be also wouldn't give

five long years, why

had just reached the elevator when Joshua's calm voice sounded behind him.

"What

tonew

was mild, but his words were sharp. "There's something I've always

By all rights,

only

you-because of your friendship, MO O'Brien So why is it that when Leonard made his move, he targeted Foreman first

narrowed slightly as he

he asked, "Who are you,

the man before him was anything but