The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 555

Stella asked, “So, when Mr. Moore demanded the ransom, it was just a pretense?”

Lind replied, “It’s both a pretense and the truth. I do want the money. Think about it—if I get my revenge and walk away with a fortune, isn’t that the best of both worlds?”

He smiled at Stella. “I’ve kidnapped Haynes’s son and the woman he’s never gotten over. With a man like Haynes, do you really think he’ll let me off so easily? I might as well take my chances. One way or another, I can’t lose.”

This man was terrifyingly clear-headed. There are brutes you can overpower, but someone like this—educated, calculating—is far more dangerous.

Stella fell silent for a few seconds before asking, “What exactly do you want to do?”

The kidnapper answered slowly, as if savoring the idea, “I want Haynes to choose—between his son and his first love. I’m not a man of many virtues, but I always keep my word. Whoever he picks, I’ll let go.”

He paused, studying Stella. “Do you know why I’m doing this?”

Not wanting to provoke him, Stella played along. “Why?”

A faint, mocking smile curved Lind’s lips. “Both of them mean the world to him. No matter which one he chooses, the other will haunt him. He’ll be consumed by regret—maybe even start to resent the one he saved. People are like that, you know. We always want what we can’t have. The one you lose will always seem more precious.”

Stella nodded thoughtfully. “You have a point. But honestly, this whole ‘choose one’ game seems pointless.”

Stella smiled faintly. “If that happens, I’ll thank you for getting rid of my rival. You’re smart—you must know my relationship with Haynes is far from good. He divorced me for Rachel. If he really does choose me, consider the ransom money my payment for Rachel’s life. I’ll make sure Haynes doesn’t come after you.”

She paused, then added, “You’re only set on mutual destruction because you assume Haynes will never let you go after this. But if I help you, you get your money and your freedom. Isn’t that a better deal?”

Lind fell silent, clearly wavering. Who wouldn’t be tempted by such a fortune?

After a few seconds, he looked her in the eye. “You’re sure you can get me out?”

Stella nodded. “Release Keen, and I’ll vouch for you. But if you kill the O’Brien Group’s heir, Haynes will never stop hunting you. There won’t be a place in the world where you can hide.”