The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1764

Beckett scoffed dismissively. "A love-struck fool."

Laurel ignored his taunt and asked, "Have you found any leads on Leonard and Stella's whereabouts?"

Beckett leaned back in his chair, nonchalant. "Nope."

Laurel frowned. "Brother, can you please take this seriously? Joshua is short-handed in Solmaris. We're the only ones who can help him right now."

"He tried to kill me, and I'm supposed to help him with all my might?" Beckett retorted. "Do I look like some kind of saint to you?"

"You tried to kill him too, didn't you?" Laurel shot back. "You tried to kill him once, he tried to kill you once. You screwed him over, he screwed you over. I'd say you're even."

"…"

Beckett was speechless for a moment, then glanced at Laurel.

"He's risking life and limb for another woman, and you still want to help him find her? Laurel Quinn, are you an idiot? If Stella disappeared for good, maybe you and Joshua would have a chance."

Laurel shook her head, her expression growing grave.

"If they really can't find Stella, I suspect Joshua will snap."

Beckett's eyelid twitched as he caught the deeper meaning in Laurel's words.

"What do you mean?"

They had been partners, frequently risking their lives for one another. As such, there were no debts or life-saving favors between them.

But those six months Joshua was missing had taken a massive toll on him. That was why Laurel was willing to take the blame and was so determined to cure him.

Even Beckett fell silent now.

He and Joshua could try to kill each other, but they absolutely could not let Joshua lose his mind.

After a while, he spoke reluctantly. "Alright, alright, I get it. That love-struck fool is about to break down, so I guess we can't count on him for anything right now."

Laurel's expression relaxed, but she added a warning. "Although I erased the tracks from Aurora's kidnapping, with Stella missing, people are bound to suspect Joshua and pressure him. They might even notice his abnormal state. If they figure out his condition, it's like handing them his greatest weakness. They could use Stella to drive him completely insane."