The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Joshua hesitated for a moment before complying.

Once he was gone, Jonathan Williams spoke. "Star, we've heard about what happened in Germany. Joshua killed Stuart Gibson, and now the Gibson family is demanding an explanation."

He paused, his expression grim. "Star, you can't keep him around any longer."

"Since you know what happened with the Gibsons," Stella countered calmly, "do you also know what Stuart did to me?"

"We've been briefed on the general course of events," Jonathan said dismissively. "While Stuart did force his way into your room, he didn't actually harm you. You were fully clothed and physically uninjured."

out a soft, incredulous laugh. "So, I have to be violated before I'm allowed to

I'm saying that while Stuart was in the wrong, his actions didn't warrant a death sentence. Star, I know you. You wouldn't kill someone without a very good reason." He glanced in the direction Joshua had disappeared. "Don't you think your bodyguard has been overstepping? He's constantly getting involved

multiple times, despised the man. Seeing a chance to kick him while he was

that he's a murderer, if you harbor him, you're no better than he is. The company's shareholders, the public- no

gotten the full story from Leonard even before Stella's return. They had discussed it: if Stella chose to protect Joshua, it would be the perfect opportunity for them. They could leak the story of Joshua being a killer, and Stella's reputation as his employer would be dragged through the mud. No matter how much influence she had at The Williams Group, the public would never support someone with such a tarnished character. She would be forced to retreat into the shadows, a

of the picture, Aurora Williams could step in and take her rightful

game. The playbook was all too familiar, reminiscent of the

You know as well as I do what kind of

her back on