The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1959

It was genuinely bizarre how intimately Leonard and Joshua understood each other's boundaries.

Leonard practically tap-danced on Joshua's last nerve on a daily basis; she couldn't decide if the man was insanely arrogant or if he legitimately didn't care whether he lived or died.

"Thank you for telling me," Stella finally murmured, her voice tight.

"Don't thank me," Leonard replied smoothly. "It was the right thing to do."

Stella didn't have the energy to argue, walking the rest of the path in heavy silence.

A few minutes later, she stepped into Old Mr. Wyatt's study and explained her desperate plan.

Old Mr. Wyatt stroked his beard, his diagnosis perfectly mirroring Mr. Burton's. "Short bursts are acceptable. Extended playing is off the table. As for bringing in a psychological specialist..."

He paused, adjusting his reading glasses. "I do have a highly capable associate in the field. I'll make the calls and have him flown in immediately."

A rush of immense gratitude washed over Stella. "Thank you, Mr. Wyatt. Seriously, thank you."

Old Mr. Wyatt looked as though he wanted to say something else, but ultimately waved a dismissive hand. "Get out of here.

Just make sure you come back for a physical evaluation every single week once you start playing."

Stella nodded profusely and hurried out the door.

She spotted Leonard lingering casually by the stone archway.

He didn't attempt to corner her again, merely offering a polite nod as she passed.

She didn't break her stride, heading straight for the waiting car.

As Leonard strolled into the study, Old Mr. Wyatt let out a loud, derisive snort.

"Your system is still coursing with toxins, and you're out here playing Florence Nightingale for someone else's woman?

Something in that twisted logic amused the old doctor, who let out a raspy chuckle.

"He's the only thing standing between you and the girl. Why not use his mental breakdown to put a bullet in his head? You'd get the beauty all to yourself."

Old Mr. Wyatt, who harbored a deep, abiding hatred for self-righteous hypocrites like Mr. Burton, let out a barking laugh.

"Oh, please! You've built an entire empire on blackmail, extortion, and backstabbing.

Now you want to play the honorable knight?"

Leonard just flashed a chilling, predatory smile. "A promise is only a commitment if I choose to honor it. And trust me, very few people in this world are worth keeping a promise to."