The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Ever since the trip to the country club, Joshua had become obsessed with darts.

When they got back, he even bought a professional dartboard and set it up at home. Whenever he had a bit of free time, he'd be there practicing, his focus unwavering.

He was a natural-after just a single day, his aim was uncanny.

Abby, who loved baseball, invited Joshua to join her for a game one afternoon.

Joshua turned out to be a star at baseball, too.

It seemed like no matter the sport, he picked it up in a flash.

Abby couldn't stop praising his athletic talent.

Stella laughed, "Impressive work. Maybe I should give you a raise tomorrow."

Joshua's face lit up with a bright grin. "Thank you, Ms. Cameron."

Even as he spoke, he twisted the arm of Candida's bodyguard, wrenching it until the man cried out and collapsed to the ground.

Freed at last, Candida hurried toward Stella.

Joshua shot a glance at Karl, whose face was twisted in anger and humiliation.

"Ms. Cameron, are we really just letting this guy walk away?"

"Of course not," Stella replied, her tone calm but cold.

Somehow, she now had a baseball bat in her hand.

It was the same bat Abby had left by the door after their game yesterday—she'd asked Stella to bring it back for her, but Stella hadn't had the chance yet.

As she'd been backing away earlier, she'd already reached for the bat, just in

case.

If Joshua hadn't shown up, her plan was simple: after emptying her pepper spray, she'd finish the job with the baseball bat, making sure the bodyguard wouldn't be getting up anytime soon.noveldrama

Her smile was serene, but her eyes were glacial.

Stella had enemies who wanted to take everything from her. Enemies who would stop at nothing to ruin her name, or frame her for crimes she didn't commit.

Some, she knew, even wanted her dead.

She'd thought Jasper and Sellers were the most shameless people she'd ever met.

But Karl, standing there now, had just set a new low.

Violence had never been Stella's answer.

But with Karl, she'd run out of patience.

She could risk her life, but she wouldn't let anyone take her agency.

Clutching the bat, she began to walk steadily toward Karl.

Joshua watched, quickly guessing what Stella had in mind.

Something sparked in his midnight-dark eyes—a flicker of recognition, even excitement, as if he'd found a kindred spirit.

His blood was suddenly pumping, a thrill running through him.

Just as Stella was about to reach Karl, Candida stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

At this, a faint smile curled at the edge of Karl's lips.

He'd been sure-Candida would never turn on him.

But Candida took the bat from Stella's hand and said, "Star, let me handle this."

Stella looked at her, saw the determination in her eyes, and understood her intent.

After a moment's thought, she nodded. "Alright."

Candida wasn't doing this for herself, but for Stella.

After all, this whole mess had started because of her.

She didn't want Stella's hands stained by any more violence.

Joshua said, "This guy's from the Burton family-he's got some fight in him. Let me rough him up first. Then can take over." Content Belongs

Candida knew she probably wouldn't stand a chance against Karl, even with a weapon.

She didn't hesitate. "Alright, you go first."

Karl stared at her in disbelief. "Candida, you'd really do this to me?"

Candida met his wounded look with a cold laugh.

"Don't give me that betrayed puppy look.

St When you lost your sight, ↓

stayed by your side and took care of you? That was me.

And do you remember what you promised me back then?

You said you'd treat me well for the rest of my life.

Is this your idea of treating me well-throwing me out on the leaving me with nowhere to because I asked to break you?"