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."

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 up by the business summit hosted by Solmaris-and, unexpectedly, by the trouble that befell

with them?" Joshua

got to get back to his classes. When

hummed in acknowledgment, falling quiet

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

there was

the long, quiet

s

at Joshua, who seemed completely at ease,

in the perfectly manicured

car slowed

broke

softening. "I lived in