The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

She wished she could get rid of Stella as soon as possible. "Joshua, since you've already gained Stella's trust, why don't you take care of her now? The longer we wait, the more likely things will go wrong."

Joshua frowned slightly at her words.

"Rachel, we're talking about a human life here, not an ant you can just squash. If it were that easy to kill her, why would I have bothered getting close to her in the first place?"

Rachel's voice sharpened with urgency. "We could make it look like an accident!"

Joshua's reply was lazy, almost amused. "Sure."

But before Rachel could celebrate, Joshua added, "I can provide you with people. However you want to handle it, it's all up to you."

Rachel's expression faltered. She drew a long, deep breath.

"Joshua, I can't do this on my own... Stella is too cunning-she'd see right through me."

She paused for a moment.

"Joshua, you're smart. This is nothing for you. Besides, you're at Stella's side right now. If anyone could pull this off, it'd be you."

Joshua glanced at Rachel, his eyes cool and indifferent. He saw right through her attempt to use him as her weapon but couldn't be bothered to argue.

"Rachel, if you want my help, you'll do as I say. If you don't like my plan, I'll give you the manpower. You do it yourself. But-"

A strange and dangerous smile flickered across his lips. "You can't have it both ways. I can't stand being micromanaged."

Rachel's anger was doused, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her head.

She snapped back to her senses.

Regaining her composure, she said, "I'm sorry, I lost my temper just now. I didn't mean to question you... I was just too upset. Stella-she's just too much to bear..."

She knew better than to offend Joshua; she still needed his help.

Still, the scene she'd witnessed not long ago—Joshua quietly waiting on Stella— had rattled her more than she cared to admit.

Joshua stood there, perfectly calm, as if Rachel's secret meeting meant nothing. He didn't show the slightest sign of panic or fear of being discovered. Trying to control someone like him was nearly impossible.

Joshua finally spoke. "Honestly, I don't think Stella has done anything wrong."

Joshua was actually defending Stella-Rachel's anxiety spiked.

"But... but she's been bullying me. You really think she's innocent?"

Joshua replied, "Given your history, the fact she hasn't slapped you yet is already showing restraint. If it were my enemy prying into my personal affairs, I wouldn't let them see another sunrise."

Rachel was speechless.

This guy's logic was utterly twisted.

"And another thing..." Joshua

continued, "Her son could really use some discipline. After what

happened with the kidnapping, he's still running around? If he were my. son I'd have broken hisdegs already." noveldrama

Rachel was stunned.

She'd forgotten that Joshua's philosophy was survival of the fittest.

He believed anything could be solved by force. If beating someone didn't work, it just meant you hadn't hit hard enough. And if that still didn't help, then that person wasn't worth keeping around in the first place-just get rid of them.

Rachel's eyes darted as she tried a new tactic. "Joshua, I've been practicing 'Moonlight,' that piece you like. Maybe you could come listen sometime?"

Joshua didn't refuse. "Sure. I'll let you know when I have time. Anything else? If not, I'll be going."

Rachel had risked sneaking out to see Joshua, only to leave empty-handed. Frustration gnawed at her, but she was powerless to do anything but watch as Joshua turned and walked away.

Stella was busier than ever. Between preparing for her concert and getting ready for the competition, she'd completely put Sellers and Jasper's affairs out of her mind.

The feud between the Burton family and the Wilkinsons was making waves all over town, and she hadn't even noticed-until Abby called, bringing her the latest gossip.

"Star, did you hear? The Burton Group finally made a move against the Wilkinsons!"

Stella raised an eyebrow. "So Sellers really decided to go after them?"

Abby replied, "Yeah. I'm not in the business world, so I only know what Antoney told me."

Antoney, who'd recently started working with his father, Nicolle Watson, was picking up more business intel than Abby ever could.

Stella had definitely set things up for the two sides to turn on each other, but she hadn't expected Sellers to play along so enthusiastically.

She asked, "Did Jasper leak something again and set Sellers off?"

Abby lowered her voice. "No, it's worse. Word is, that car accident Sellers was in Jasper was behind it."

Stella had suspected as much, but hearing confirmation still surprised her.

"Are you sure the information's reliable?"

"Very," Abby said. "Antoney

overheard it from his dad, who was

chatting with Mr. Burton. Sellers looked into it himself and found the proof@asper already had it out for Mr. Burton so Seffers didn't hesitate to retaliate. Now the Wilkinson Group's stock is tanking, their orders are drying up-the company's practically doomed."

Stella asked, “Have Haynes or Foreman stepped in to help?"