The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1972

She paused, a sudden thought crossing her mind.

After a moment of contemplation, she dialed Abby's number.

"Abby, take some of our people and bring Dr. Hunt here from his apartment."

Abby hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Should we avoid Zenia and the others?"

"Yes," Stella replied. "Keep it as quiet as possible."

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Abby didn't press for details.

"Understood. I'll get it sorted right away."

The moment Stella hung up, Leonard spoke again.

"Joshua drove away every capable assistant you had. If you try to investigate anything, he's going to know."

Stella remained silent, her gaze drifting over the surrounding scenery.

About twenty minutes later, Abby called back.

"Star, Dr. Hunt isn't here. His place... it's completely cleared out."

Stella's expression hardened.

With Colby Hunt gone, the truth would vanish with him—whether Joshua or Leonard was behind it.

A heavy, suffocating wave of dread settled over her chest.

Taking a deep breath, she instructed, "I'm sending you the coordinates from a tracker. Follow it."

She paused before adding, "Lead the team yourself."

Hearing the steel in her voice, Abby immediately grasped the severity of the situation.

Watching the light fade from Stella's eyes, Leonard felt a strange tightening in his own chest.

...

An hour later, a flurry of footsteps echoed down the corridor.

Stella sat in the pavilion, staring blankly at the garden as her mind raced.

At the noise, she turned her head.

Colby Hunt was marched in, his face drained of all color.

"Dr. Hunt," Stella began evenly. "Do you work for Leonard, or do you work for Joshua?"

"You were bluffing the other day!"

Stella didn't deny it. "That's right. I just didn't expect you to fold so easily."

She shifted her gaze, looking past him.

"Joshua is here."

Everyone turned to look.

Sure enough, Joshua stood just a short distance away.

One sweeping glance over the group told him everything he needed to know.

He didn't offer any explanations or try to make excuses.

He didn't even spare a glance for Colby, his failed accomplice.

His unwavering focus was locked entirely on Stella.

Stella met his gaze from across the distance. "And yet, you figured it out just as fast."