The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2017

Stella's complexion was still deathly pale, but a razor-sharp edge had returned to her gaze.

"First, we catch him," she said coldly. "He murdered my child. This time, I'm going to destroy him myself."

"Leonard has people looking for him, but there's no trace yet," Abby offered.

"Foreman is cunning, and he's a master at playing a part," Stella analyzed. "Hunting him down won't be that simple.

He's arrogant, extreme, and totally unhinged.

Until he knows for an absolute fact whether the baby survived or not, he won't leave Solmaris.

In fact, I'd bet he's lurking somewhere near Mr. Burton's estate right now, watching my every move."

"Have you figured out a way to bait him out?" Abby asked.

"Abby, I need you to put on a show for me," Stella said softly.

She quickly laid out her plan.

Looking at Stella's exhausted, hollowed-out face, Abby felt her heart break all over again.

"Let's just let you rest for now. We can deal with this when you've recovered a bit."

Stella shook her head. "No. Foreman is too paranoid. If we wait too long, he'll sense a trap and vanish.

I have to nail him now."

It wasn't just Stella; Abby felt an explosive, violent hatred for Foreman too.

He had paraded around under the guise of "loving" Stella and "doing what was best for her," while repeatedly stabbing her in the back.

If it weren't for him, Stella would still have her baby.

Seeing that Stella was growing tired again, Abby quickly agreed. "Alright, I'll do it. But you need to sleep now. Your health comes first."

Just speaking for a few minutes had drained Stella entirely.

She nodded and closed her eyes, quickly slipping back into sleep.

Watching her sleep, Abby felt a fresh wave of sorrow.

She hadn't dared to bring up Joshua's hypnosis, but she had heard the whispers from Colby and Mr. Burton.

The hypnosis had worked.

Joshua and Stella were truly in different worlds now.

"He's forgotten everything now. He doesn't have to suffer anymore. It's better this way."

"But you're the one suffering," Leonard countered.

She turned to look at him. "I'd like to rest. Could you give me some space?"

Leonard didn't push. "Get some sleep."

He walked to the door, but just as his hand clamped over the knob, her voice stopped him.

"Leonard."

He looked back.

"While I'm recovering here at the estate... I'd prefer if you stayed out of my sight."

His dark eyes dimmed. "Understood."

Not long after he left, Stella's phone vibrated. It was Laurel.

The wind whipping across the tarmac made Laurel's voice sound distant and surreal.

"He's gone."