The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2019

The takedown was handled personally by Wilbur and Gideon.

After Joshua's departure, Abby had immediately rehired the two bodyguards.

Stella didn't have many trusted people left, and training new muscle from scratch was too exhausting.

Bringing back familiar faces was the smartest move.

Supported by Abby, Stella walked into the underground holding cell where Foreman was chained.

The second Foreman saw her, his eyes lit up with manic joy.

"Star! Star, you finally came to see me!"

His gaze flicked down to her flat stomach, a sinister, chilling gleam flashing in his eyes.

He quickly masked it with fake concern. "Star, how is your recovery going? I've been worried sick about you this whole time."

Listening to his sickeningly sweet tone made Abby want to vomit.

He was the classic snake in the grass, the definition of biting the hand that fed him.

"Cut the repulsive act," Abby spat. "You don't get to call her Star anymore. Just hearing you say it makes my skin crawl."

Taking the cue, Gideon and Wilbur stepped forward and backhanded Foreman across the face.

They were hardened fighters, and they didn't hold back. The brutal strikes knocked several of Foreman's teeth out, sending blood spattering across the floor.

Foreman collapsed to his knees, hacking and spitting, but his crazed eyes stayed locked on Stella.

He let out a deranged, bloody laugh. "Star, everything I did... I did it for you! If I hadn't stepped in, how would you have ever gotten rid of him?

I stole Winter's identity because I wanted to help you!

You wanted to cure Joshua, didn't you? You wanted him to forget you! I was giving you exactly what you wanted!

"Stella, what do you want to do with this psycho?"

Stella stared down at Foreman, her voice devoid of any human warmth.

"Since he loves ruining lives so much... break his arms and legs. Shatter the bones so completely that no surgeon can ever put him back together.

If he ever gets a chance, he'll just crawl out and hurt someone else."

Abby understood instantly.

Amputation was the only way to guarantee they'd never heal.

Hearing Stella issue such barbaric orders without blinking an eye, Foreman looked genuinely wounded and outraged.

"You were always so kind and soft-hearted, Star! If Joshua hadn't corrupted you, you would never be this cruel!"