The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1746

The moment she heard Leonard's name, Stella frowned reflexively.

She turned her head and, sure enough, saw Leonard pushing the door open and walking in.

Abby's expression tensed when she saw him, too.

"Star, should I call Jake and Harold over?"

Before Joshua left, he had stationed Jake and Harold there, telling Stella she could call them if she needed anything.

Stella shook her head slightly. "Not for now. If anything happens to me, Joshua will find out immediately and rush back. Besides, if I can't even handle a small matter like this, I might as well just give up."

Though Stella's reasoning was sound, Abby was still worried.

She knew Leonard had feelings for Stella, but in Abby's eyes, Leonard was not a normal person. She was terrified he would suddenly snap.

Stella gave her a reassuring look and said softly, "You and Wilbur wait for me outside."

This only made Abby more anxious. "But…"

"If he wanted to hurt me, even Wilbur might not be able to stop him," Stella said. "Don't worry, he won't do anything rash."

Abby knew she wouldn't be much help if she stayed. It was better to wait outside and keep an eye on things. If Leonard made any sudden moves, she could at least call for help.

"Let Wilbur stay," Abby suggested. "He can handle himself, at least."

Stella nodded slightly. "Alright."

As Abby was leaving, Leonard walked right up to Stella.

For a split second, a cold dread settled in the pit of Stella's stomach.

He couldn't have actually fallen for her. Could he?

If that was the case, it was utterly terrifying.

Stella wasn't Aurora; she had no interest in using a man's feelings to achieve her goals. Though she loathed Leonard, she found the idea of emotional revenge even more unacceptable, especially a method that involved making him fall in love with her.

It wasn't because she had high morals, but because it disgusted her. She found it truly difficult to feign affection for someone she detested.

Right now, meeting Leonard's obsessive, dark gaze, Stella felt nothing but fear. It was a feeling she hadn't even experienced when he kidnapped her and personally destroyed her hand.

Back then, when he ruined her hand, it was simply an act of cruelty.