The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1749

Stella paid it no mind, closing her eyes to rest. She hadn't been sleeping well lately because of the situation with Leonard.

She had spoken with Joshua last night, and he told her he would be back in a day or two. She had almost finished decorating their room and wondered if he would be surprised when he returned.

As her thoughts wandered, the car jolted slightly and came to a sudden stop.

Stella opened her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"I think there's a problem with a tire," Wilbur said. "Stella, you and Abby wait in the car. Gideon and I will go check it out."

Stella nodded slightly.

Wilbur and Gideon got out to inspect the situation and found that a tire was damaged. One of them stood guard by the car while the other went to the trunk to get the spare.

Just then, a group of agile men in black clothes darted out from the side.

Wilbur and Gideon's expressions changed, instantly sensing that something was wrong. Without a word, they drew their guns.

But they were a step too slow.

Two projectiles hit them with swift precision. They collapsed without a chance to fight back.

Tranquilizer darts.

Inside the car, Abby and Stella's faces paled as they witnessed the scene.

Realizing the danger, Stella was about to make a call when another group of men swarmed their car. Before she could dial, a handkerchief was pressed over her mouth and nose.

Stella lost consciousness instantly.

***

When Abby, Gideon, and Wilbur woke up, an hour had already passed. They found Stella gone and couldn't reach her. Panic filled their faces.

Stella looked up to see a handsome, chiseled face. The man's eyes burned with an undisguised adoration.

She looked at him warily. "Where are we?"

Leonard walked in. "This is my private island," he said calmly. "It's surrounded by the sea, isolated from the world. The only way in or out is by helicopter. I remember you once told me you liked quiet, secluded havens. The scenery and environment here are perfect. You'll love it. I'll take you for a tour after we eat."

Stella instinctively clutched the bedsheets beneath her. "You're going to imprison me?"

Leonard looked at her, his voice deep. "Star, getting away from that place of conflict is a good thing for you. If you want to be the head of the family, I'll give you my position. Joshua is not the right man for you. His condition is a ticking time bomb in your relationship. He has too many enemies, and they'll stop at nothing to bring him down. If they can't find an effective way to deal with him, they'll turn their sights on you."

He looked deep into her eyes. "And once they realize you're his weakness, they will use you against him again and again."

"Those are just your excuses," Stella said coldly.

Leonard let out a low laugh. "You're right, those are just excuses. The main reason is that I want you."