The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1601

"That's too many people," Stella said. "A large group will attract too much attention. I'm not used to having so many people around me. Two is the maximum—one to protect you, and one to protect me."

Stella had a point, so Abby Murphy had to reluctantly agree.

Wilbur looked frail and unassuming, but he could handle himself just as well as the taller, bulkier bodyguards. In fact, he was even a step ahead of them, primarily because his appearance was so deceptive it made people lower their guard.

As for Gideon, his build and demeanor made it obvious he was a trained fighter.

While neither man could compare to Joshua Gardner in terms of looks, they were both remarkably handsome among the security detail, and Abby was quite satisfied.

Stella, however, didn't feel much of anything.

Still, when she was tired, she would occasionally slip up and call Wilbur by Joshua's name.

Abby sent Wilbur and Gideon to wait at the door while she helped Stella change into her gown for the event.

As she helped her, Abby asked, "By the way, Star, have you ever met the head of the Quinn family?

I heard she's a woman, and a very young one at that.

I looked into her history, and she seems incredibly impressive."

Stella shook her head. "Never. The person I've been liaising with has always been their project manager, not the head of the family."

"For a project this big, the head of the family doesn't even make an appearance... Is she really that confident?" Abby said. "There are rumors everywhere that you have some secret connection to the Quinns, and that's how you got the partnership... You'd think she'd show up to clear the air, wouldn't you?"

Stella adjusted her gown. "To be honest, Abby... I've been thinking the same thing."

Abby paused. "Huh?"

"I feel like this project was intentionally given to me," Stella said. "Maybe even specifically earmarked for me. Otherwise, knowing the Williams family, they would never have handed over such a massive project to me so easily."

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