The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 301

After deleting the messages on her phone, Stella said quietly, “Maybe this is just the beginning.”

…

Sure enough, things unfolded exactly as Stella had expected.

They had barely finished dinner when Stella received a call from Mr. Burton, saying that his clinic had been trashed.

Stella and her friends didn’t waste a second—they hurried straight to the clinic.

The scene that greeted them was utter chaos. Every cabinet and chair lay toppled on the floor, with medicines and jars scattered everywhere. The windows had all been smashed, and the sign above the door was broken into several jagged pieces.

It looked like the clinic had survived a hurricane.

Stella pushed through the crowd that had gathered, spotting Mr. Burton slumped on the front steps, looking utterly defeated.

“Mr. Burton, are you alright?” Stella rushed over and helped Mr. Burton to his feet.

He shook his head, trying to insist he was fine—but as he took in the devastation around him, he couldn’t hold back a heavy sigh.

“I suppose there’s no choice now. Looks like I’ll have to head home earlier than planned.”

Stella’s eyes flickered with concern. “You’re leaving? Mr. Burton, are you closing the clinic for good?”

“That’s right. I’m done.”

“Mr. Burton, I can help you fix the place up—”

“There’s no need.” Mr. Burton waved her off. “I’m getting old, and my kids have been begging me to retire and come home. I was planning to head back next month anyway. With things like this… well, I guess I’ll just leave a little sooner.”

Stella lowered her head. “I’m sorry, Mr. Burton.”

He glanced at her. “Now, what are you apologizing to me for? This isn’t your fault.”

“If it weren’t for me, none of this would’ve happened…” Guilt washed over Stella’s face. “I’m sorry. This all started because of me.”