The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2008

Joshua's grip on the steering wheel tightened until his knuckles turned white. "Star, do you have to be this ruthless?"

Staring out the window at the passing scenery, Stella replied coldly, "You know exactly why we're acting so civil right now.

Even if we pretend nothing happened, we can never go back to how things used to be."

Joshua fell silent.

The air inside the car felt suffocating.

They drove the rest of the way to Mr. Burton's estate in complete silence.

Dr. Winter was waiting for them, wearing that usual warm smile. "Ms. Cameron, Mr. Gardner. You're here.

Dr. Hunt is prepping the room, we'll be ready in a minute."

Stella nodded. "Thank you for the trouble."

Dr. Winter glanced at Stella, then at the expressionless Joshua, instantly sensing the icy tension between them.

She stood quietly to the side, opting not to speak.

Just then, a rustling sound came from the nearby bushes.

A split second later, something leaped out, launching straight at Stella.

Joshua's eyes turned lethal. Moving with lightning speed, his hand shot out.

By the time Stella registered what was happening, Joshua had Calico pinned by the throat with one hand.

Stella panicked. "Joshua, let her go! You're going to choke her to death!"

Cold, murderous intent radiated from Joshua's eyes.

"Star, it tried to hurt you and the baby. It has to die."

Calico thrashed wildly in his grip, letting out sharp, terrifying yowls.

"You're wrong, she wasn't attacking me!"

Watching the cat's struggles grow weaker, Stella's fear morphed into fury.

Words spilled out before she could stop them. "Have you lost your mind completely? You can't even tolerate a stray cat now?!

Let her go right now, or I swear to God I will never forgive you!"

Joshua stiffened. He looked at Stella, a flash of undeniable hurt in his eyes.

"In your heart, I matter less than a stray cat?"

Stella's face was pale with anger. "Drop the cat!"

The air froze.

Time seemed to stretch into infinity, yet ended in a blink.

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