The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 435

Seeing how things stood, Stella didn’t refuse again.

…

She slid into Neville’s car, murmured an address, and closed her eyes.

Her mind was foggy, her body weak and drained.

Leaning back in the passenger seat, Stella drifted off to sleep almost instantly.

She had no idea how much time had passed before someone gently shook her awake.

“Star, wake up.”

Stella forced her eyes open. For a moment, her mind was blank—she couldn’t even recall where she was.

But soon, the memory of Abby’s predicament rushed back.

“Are we there?” she asked, her movements sluggish as she unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

The moment her feet touched the ground, her legs gave out, nearly sending her tumbling.

A slender, pale hand reached out just in time, steadying her.

“Star, are you sure you can walk?” Neville’s usually playful eyes were suddenly serious. “Maybe you should wait here. I’ll go find her.”

She looked so fragile, Neville thought, that a breeze could knock her over.

Stella shook her head, eyes shut as she caught her breath. “No need. I just need a moment.”

A minute later, she reopened her eyes.

“Let’s go.”

…

They found Abby in a private lounge, cornered by several bodyguards.

Her cheeks were swollen and red, clear evidence she’d been slapped more than once.

One of the young men in the room—a spoiled rich kid by the look of him—sat with a white bandage wrapped around his head. His glare at Abby was full of menace.

“So, you called for backup? I’d like to see who dares take you out of here tonight!”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than the door swung open.

A visible shudder ran through Mr. Hunter.

“M-Mr. Connolly, what brings you here?”

Neville cast him a disinterested glance. “What, am I not welcome?”

All traces of arrogance vanished from Mr. Hunter’s face. He shot to his feet, flustered and obsequious. “Of course you are! It’s an honor to have you here, sir. Please—take a seat.”

Neville’s tone was casual, almost bored. “No need. I’m just here to pick someone up.”

Everyone in the room knew what that meant, and exactly who Neville had come for.

Mr. Hunter’s face stiffened, panic flickering in his eyes. “Mr… Mr. Connolly, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize this lady was a friend of yours. Please forgive me for any offense.”

He barked at his bodyguards, “What are you waiting for? Let her go, now!”

The bodyguards didn’t dare hesitate. They immediately released Abby.

Abby looked utterly disheveled. Clutching her red, swollen cheek, she whispered, “Sorry, Star. I’ve dragged you into this again.”

These days, men like Mr. Hunter—thugs who acted like they owned the world—were thankfully a dying breed.