The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2044

Joshua's gaze was fixed unblinkingly on her face. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, carrying a hint of scrutiny and assessment.

Joshua's hypnosis had been successful—Stella had personally verified it.

But hypnosis was still just hypnosis; there was always a chance of it weakening or memories slipping through.

Stella's nerves tightened instantly, though she kept her face perfectly composed.

"No."

He stared intently into her eyes. "I just feel like you look very familiar, like I've seen you somewhere."

Her heartbeat grew erratic.

She didn't know if he had remembered something or if he genuinely just found her face familiar.

Just as Stella was frantically trying to come up with an answer, Joshua suddenly said, "I remember now."

Her pupils shrank, and her fingers curled into fists instinctively.

Joshua looked down at her face and smiled. "Three years ago, when I was undergoing hypnosis, I think I saw you at Mr. Burton's place.

You're Laurel Quinn's friend, right?"

Three years ago...

The tension in Stella's body immediately dissipated. She couldn't tell if she was relieved or disappointed.

"You have a good memory, Mr. Gardner," Stella said.

He raised an eyebrow. "You know who I am?"

"Yes, Laurel mentioned you to me," Stella replied smoothly.

Joshua looked slightly surprised. "She actually talked to you about me? It seems you two are really close."

Stella remained silent for a moment. "Not exactly. She didn't say much. After I saw you that day, I asked her about you. She just briefly explained your relationship and told me your name."

His lips curved upward in a half-smile as he looked at her.

"You asked her about me... Are you interested in me?"

Stella was speechless.

She had never noticed that Joshua could be this blunt.

Whatever the person on the other end said, Joshua simply replied, "I know. I'll be right there."

Hanging up, he looked at Stella.

"Sorry, I have some business to attend to. I have to go."

Stella gave a slight nod. "Alright, go ahead with your plans."

Joshua smiled and turned to leave.

Stella watched his retreating back for a long time, unable to snap out of her daze.

It wasn't until she heard steady footsteps approaching from behind that she finally came back to reality.

Turning around, she saw Leonard Lerman. She had no idea how long he had been standing there.

"Joshua is back?"

"You didn't get the news?" Stella asked.

Leonard shook his head, his deep gaze resting on her face.