The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

"Now you want to back out, is that it?"

"Stella, let me tell you-no way!"

Stella glanced at Jasper, her tone calm. "So what? What exactly are you going to do about it?"

Jasper opened his mouth, searching for words. "I..."

But as soon as he started, the rest died in his throat.

Right-what could he really do if Stella refused to take responsibility? If someone wants to make amends, it's because they feel guilty. If they don't, well, there's nothing you can do. It's all up to their conscience.

Stella spoke up again, her voice even. "Besides, I don't see how Rachel saved my life. She didn't take a bullet for me, she didn't pay any ransom-how exactly did she 'save' me?"

She fixed Jasper with a smile-cool, almost teasing. "If you want to get technical, I'm the one who saved Ms. Pearce. I risked my life to pay the ransom. If I hadn't cooperated, she might not have survived. So, Mr. Wilkinson, since you're such a champion of gratitude, don't forget that you all owe me for saving Ms. Pearce's life. Don't go turning into ingrates now."

Jasper stared at her, dumbfounded by her twisted logic. "You-you weren't there for Rachel! You went to save Keen, admit it!"noveldrama

Stella shrugged. "Keen is my son. Of course I'd risk everything to save him. But Rachel? What is she to me? Why would I save her for free?"

Her expression was cold, her words even colder.

"Of course, if Ms. Pearce would like to be my daughter, then she wouldn't owe me a thing for saving her life."

Jasper's face turned crimson, so furious he nearly choked.

At that moment, a rush of hurried footsteps echoed nearby.

"Star! Are you and Keen alright?"

Abby Murphy and Neville Connolly hurried over, with Joshua trailing behind Abby rushed to Stella' side, only relaxing when she saw Stella was unharmed.

She knelt to check on Keen. "Keen, are you alright? You're not hurt, are you?"

Keen shook his head. "I'm fine."

Abby turned to Stella, worry still

etched on her face. "Star, you're out of your mind! Going after kidnappers alone-you nearly gave me a heart attack! Those criminals wouldn't

have thought twice about killing you. Thank God you're both okay."

Cóntent

She paused, then turned back to Keen. "Your mom risked her life to save you this

time. Don't you dare make her angry again."

Keen hesitated, then gave a small, obedient nod. His mom had saved him. Rachel had, too.

Abby checked her watch and asked, "Star, do you want to wait here or head back with us?"

Stella's exhaustion finally showed in the lines of her face. Dealing with those violent kidnappers had left every nerve stretched taut. After everything that happened, she was drained.

"I'll go back with you," she replied quietly.

Jasper immediately protested. "Rachel's surgery isn't over yet. You have to stay here, you're not leaving before she wakes up!"

Stella shot back, "What's the matter? Are you that desperate for Ms. Pearce to be my daughter?"

Jasper lost all composure. "Stella, if you insult Rachel one more time, I swear I'll

Neville stepped forward, placing himself between Stella and Jasper. He spoke in a low, lazy drawl.

"Try me."