The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1554

Just then, Foreman's angry voice cut in. "Star, don't listen to his smooth-talking lies! He probably only helped you to get his hands on your founder's shares. A man like him, built on lies, doesn't have an honest bone in his body! Even if you won't think of yourself, think of Keen! He's just a child! He was kidnapped because of Rachel and Joshua's scheming and nearly died. He's your own flesh and blood! How can you just let that go?"

Foreman knew that Joshua now held a significant place in Stella's heart, perhaps more than he and Haynes combined. That's why he brought up Keen.

Every mother loves her child, and Stella's repeated compromises for Keen's sake proved his place was paramount. Foreman was reminding her that Joshua had almost gotten her son killed.

But Stella seemed not to hear him. Her gaze remained fixed on Joshua. "So all my past suffering… it was just a passing amusement for you? The more miserable I was, the more entertained you were?"

Joshua was silent for a moment. "Yes."

The single word made Stella's breath tremble. Her mind, once so clear after arriving in Solmaris, was now a chaotic mess. Her body swayed dangerously, and if Haynes hadn't been holding her, she would have collapsed.

Looking at her pale, stricken expression, Joshua said softly, "Star, no matter what, I did hurt you. For that, I'm sorry."

Foreman's furious voice rose again. "No wonder there were so many online trolls spreading rumors and slandering Star! And how they found her address so quickly, cornering her, even attacking her! It was you, helping Rachel pull the strings all along! You helped ruin her life, cost her everything, and now you think a simple 'sorry' makes it all go away? Forget it! Star will never forgive you! The help you gave her doesn't cancel out the pain you caused!"

Joshua ignored Foreman's shouting, his focus solely on Stella. "You don't have to feel torn or conflicted because I'm helping you now but hurt you in the past. You can just consider it a debt I'm repaying. Just like… how I helped Rachel on a whim. It's all just based on my mood."