The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

If it hadn't been for Keen, she would never have held on to the marriage for so long.

After the divorce, if not for her career-something she truly cared about-she wouldn't have bounced back so quickly. It would have left her gutted, feeling lost about the future.

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Stella gave a slight nod, signaling her agreement.

Joshua, despite being so young, seemed to understand things even more clearly than she did.

"What would you do if you met the person who matters most to you?" Stella asked him.

"I'd do my best to make her wishes come true," Joshua replied.

No sooner had the words left his mouth than his phone began to buzz.

Joshua stopped chatting and told Stella, "I need to take this call."

Stella nodded.

Watching him walk away, she found herself wondering who else would be calling Joshua, aside from their group. But then again, it wasn't really surprising. Joshua was so outgoing and easy to get along with he could make friends anywhere, in no time at all.

A few moments later, Stella's own phone vibrated with a text from Foreman.

"It's all set."

Below the message was the address and time for the restaurant.

Seeing Foreman's message, Stella called Mr. Burton, relaying the details.

Since Sellers was unfamiliar with Neo-Vespera, Stella had volunteered to handle the restaurant reservation.

Mr. Burton trusted her completely, asking no questions.

With their meeting arranged, Stella reached out to Abby.

Abby had already followed Stella's instructions and found the right people.

Stella decided to head to the restaurant early to make sure everything was ready.

Before leaving, she realized Joshua was nowhere to be found.

"Abby, have you seen Joshua?" Stella asked.

Abby scanned the room. "He was just here-where'd he go?" As she spoke, Joshua walked back in through the doorway.

His usually bright, smiling face looked uncharacteristically somber.

Stella exchanged a glance with Abby. They almost never saw Joshua wear that kind of expression.

"Joshua, what happened? Is something wrong?" Abby couldn't help but ask. His voice was strained. "Something's come up. I need to step out for a while."

He glanced at his watch. "Ms. Cameron, what time are you heading over?"

"If you have something to deal with, go ahead. I can get there on my own," Stella replied.

Abby frowned, but Stella cut her off gently.

"Don't worry about me. Foreman will be there."

That finally eased Abby's concern a little.

Joshua, however, was insistent. "Just tell me when and where. I'll do my best to make it."

Abby chimed in, "It's fine, Joshua. If you're busy, go take care of it."

She didn't need Joshua there, exactly. She just thought, given his skills, he'd be a good backup in case Sellers tried anything with Steffa. With Foreman around, though, it didn't matter as much.

Despite Foreman's calm demeanor,

Abby had caught the affection he quite hide whenever he

looked at Stella.

You can't really conceal it when you care about someone.

Abby had brought it up with Stella plenty of times, but she'd always brushed it off.

So Abby didn't press the issue. After

all, the chances of Stella and Foreman actually ending up together were slim. The connection between Foreman and Haynes alone made it impossible. noveldrama

Maybe that was the real reason Foreman never confessed his feelings.

Still, Foreman cared about Stella, and with him there, Abby could rest easy. Joshua turned to Abby. "Ms. Murphy, I gave my word, and I intend to keep it."

His expression was calm, but his tone had a new firmness.

"Just give me the time and place."

Abby hesitated for a moment, caught off guard.

Finally, Stella provided the details.

"Joshua, when you're on your way, call or text me first-don't just show up," she said.