The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1162

After the whole Israel affair was finally settled, Stella felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The tension that had gripped her for days finally eased, and for the first time in a while, she let herself relax.

To Stella, defeating Israel wasn't just about snatching power and profit-it was about teaching him a lesson he'd never forget, making sure he'd think twice before barging into her life with his empty provocations ever again.

As their car sped down the road, Stella glanced over at Joshua beside her.

"Joshua, thank you for everything this time. If you hadn't stepped in, there's no way I could've snagged his company at such a bargain."

Joshua smiled softly. "I might've offered a few ideas, but when it came down to it, you made all the tough calls. Some people, no matter how much you help, just can't get their act together. But Star, you're still new to all this-every experience will help you further down the line."

Stella laughed, turning back to him. "You don't seem that much older than me, but you talk like you've seen it all."

Joshua shrugged. "Maybe I've just worked more, seen a bit more life than most."

in her throat. It felt intrusive to pry into things he clearly didn't want to share. Joshua suddenly broke the silence. "Did Haynes and Foreman leave already?" "Foreman's gone," Stella replied. "Haynes will head back in a couple of days." Both Foreman and Haynes had stayed in town longer than expected, held

leaving with

When he's on break, I'll have him come stay with me for

acknowledgment, falling quiet

car rolled out toward the countryside: The streets emptied, the houses grew

was

and the

s

had never ventured out this far. She glanced at Joshua, who seemed completely at ease, offering no explanation. She let it go, choosing to

wildflowers, unlike any she'd seen in the perfectly manicured gardens of Williams Manor. These blooms weren't delicate or rare,

car slowed to

of blossoms. For once, a genuine smile broke across her face. "This place

softening. "I lived in Solmaris for a few years. Just stumbled