The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1181

"But-"

Before she could finish, the call was abruptly cut off.

Jake stared at his phone, the dial tone echoing in his ears. For a long moment, he was at a loss for words.

Across the room, Harold, buried in his paperwork, glanced up and caught sight of Jake's stunned expression. From their earlier conversation, he'd already gathered

the gist.

He sighed. "See? I told you-Mr. Gardner's patience only goes so far. The only reason he's put up with it this long is out of respect for her."

Jake finally snapped out of his daze. "Which just goes to show-Stella is Mr. Gardner's real Achilles' heel."

Harold shrugged. "I wouldn't be so sure. We used to think she was special too, didn't we? But look how that turned out."

Jake looked up suddenly. "And what makes you so certain she isn't still special to him?"

Harold blinked, momentarily thrown. He opened his mouth to argue, but no counterpoint came.

"You're right. Who really knows what's going on

treats Stella—and the one before her differently from everyone else. As

knowing smile. Some things didn't need to be said out

just a passing amusement

long-she confessed to

liar anyway, and Leonard's piercing gaze and relentless mind games left her with nowhere

on the floor

everything, Rachel still clung to a shred of hope that Joshua would

told you everything I know. Now... will you let me go? If Joshua finds out what you've done to me, he won't

took the towel from his assistant, wiping his hands with slow,

care.

wonder Joshua played you

he was on your

to turn me

to his assistant and settled onto the sofa, crossing his legs with effortless

it, Rachel. If he truly wanted to help you, why would he ask you to lie? Anyone with half a brain knows that one lie leads to a thousand more He went to all trouble to cover for you-bribed the doctor, faked your medical records-when it would've been easier

followers and fake your popularity. With his resources, he could've made you a real star overnight—if he'd wanted to. Instead,

are always exposed in