The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Although she'd never been particularly interested in men, no one could deny the appeal of something easy on the eyes.

Joshua struck up a conversation with her, and as they talked, Callie found herself growing unexpectedly comfortable around him-almost as if they'd known each

other for years.

Callie was never one to keep things bottled up. All it took was a few casual questions from Joshua, and she ended up spilling everything about her family, her older brother, and eventually about Stella and Keen, as if emptying a sack of beans.

By the end of the afternoon, Joshua had a crystal-clear picture of the O'Brien family's affairs.

It wasn't until Haynes finally called to check in-assuring Callie that Keen had been rescued that she finally paused for breath.

Soon afterward, under the arrangement of Haynes's assistant, Joshua made his way to the hospital, arriving just in time to run into Abby and Neville. The three of them went upstairs together.

After leaving the hospital, Stella and Abby slid into the back seat of the car. Neville took the wheel, while Joshua settled into the front passenger seat.

Abby couldn't hold back any longer. "Star, what happened? You've looked after Keen for years without a hitch-how'd he end up being kidnapped this time?"

Stella leaned back, exhaustion written all over her face. "I suspect this whole kidnapping was staged by Rachel herself."

As soon as she spoke, everyone turned to look at Stella. For a moment, the car was thick with silence.

Abby pressed, "Star, do you have any proof?"

Stella shook her head. "From the way Lind acted, it was as good as an admission.

He danced around the truth, never actually confessing, but if you listened carefully, you could hear it between the lines. Keen was there, but I doubt he could pick up on the subtleties."

Abby frowned. "So Rachel orchestrated Keen's kidnapping just to play the victim? She's really going all out, huh? She must've realized Haynes was getting suspicious after what Mr. Burton said, so she pulled this stunt to cover herself?"

Stella gazed thoughtfully out the window. "Lind's gun was real... I think Rachel actually wanted me dead."

Abby shuddered. "No way. I mean, sure, she loves playing the victim and being the other woman, but to actually hire a hitman?"

Stella replied, "It's just a hunch. We'll only know the truth once we catch Lind."

Neville spoke up from the driver's seat. "I've already got people

tracking Lind down. With Havnel net

Foreman, and myself on thisphe won't be hiding for long."

Stella's voice softened. "Thank you, Mr. Connolly."

Abby sighed. "I just don't get it. After all the trouble you went through to save Keen, why would he run right Rachel? The poor kid she's tricked him all over again."

Stella said nothing, her eyes fixed on the blur of city lights racing past the window.

Her mind, however, was troubled by something else entirely.

Rachel had deliberately made Keen think she and the kidnapper were acquaintances. There was a good chance Rachel would try to pin the whole kidnapping on her.noveldrama

At that moment, Stella couldn't help but feel a grudging admiration for Rachel It was a plan that killed two birds with one stone: if she couldn't have Stella killed, she could at least play the victim.

When did Rachel get so clever?

...

The night was deep and utterly still. It was already half past one in the morning.

Joshua stood by the window, phone in hand, staring out at the building where Stella lived. His voice cut through the darkness—a quiet, almost menacing whisper.

"Stella can't die. Not unless I say so. No one lays a finger on her until I give the word."