The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1998

That evening, after finalizing the contract and attending the obligatory corporate victory gala, the hour had grown late.

Haynes had accompanied Stella to the party as her date. Once the celebrations wound down, he personally drove her home. Even though Joshua had dropped off the radar, she and Haynes kept up their performance just in case they were still being watched.

The night was pitch black, the streetlights casting fragmented, golden shadows across the pavement.

Watching the city blur past the window, Stella asked, "Has Joshua returned from Novaris yet?"

"My people haven't picked up any movement," Haynes replied smoothly. "But with his resources, slipping past my surveillance wouldn't be difficult."

He shot her a sideways glance. "Has he reached out to you at all?"

"No. That's why I'm planning to call Laurel tomorrow."

"What if he chooses to walk away rather than agree to the hypnosis?" Haynes pressed.

"When love fades, people naturally weigh the pros and cons," Stella said rationally. "Right now, to him, I'm just playing the role of Rachel Pearce when she left you. Would you throw everything away for someone who isn't worth it?"

Haynes looked like he wanted to argue, but ultimately swallowed his words.

Changing the subject, he noted, "You look exhausted, Star. Are you sure you're okay? Should we swing by a clinic?"

"I'm fine," she shook her head. "Just haven't been sleeping well. When are you heading back?"

"Things are slow right now. I can stay in Solmaris for a while."

"And Callie?" she asked. "Still haven't brought her back?"

Haynes's expression turned frigid. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Let her suffer a bit longer."

Seeing his resolve, Stella dropped the issue.

The car pulled up to her apartment building. Stella pushed the door open. "It's late. I won't ask you up."

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