The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2065

Remembering the overwhelming possessiveness and dominance Joshua had exuded when he returned as the head of the Gardner family, Stella's brow relaxed slightly.

Maybe she really was overthinking things.

Laurel offered a few more words of comfort before hanging up.

The moment the call ended, Laurel let out a long, heavy exhale.

A glass of water was set in front of her. She took it and murmured her thanks.

Beckett Torres looked at her exhausted features and shook his head. "I told you to stay out of Joshua's business. He shows up out of nowhere—who knows if he's onto something and is just testing Stella right now? That guy is calculated to the bone. If he decides to play games, the three of us combined couldn't outsmart him."

Laurel took a sip of water and looked up at him.

"From a guy's perspective, do you think this is deliberate... or just a coincidence?"

Beckett's expression remained flat. "Once or twice is a coincidence. But a constant string of 'coincidences' means there's a problem. From a guy's point of view, there are only three reasons he'd be getting close to her."

Laurel set her glass on the table. "Which are?"

"One, he's genuinely just interested in her. He heard her play the violin, and she played 'Moonlight,' of all things."

"Two, he's suspicious and is currently testing her waters."

"Three..."

Seeing him pause for dramatic effect, Laurel shot him an irritated look.

"Since when did you start leaving people in suspense?"

Beckett glanced at her. "Three, he is actively retaliating against her, and playing her is just the beginning. The guy holds a grudge like no other. If it's the third option, he just doesn't have the time to deal with us yet. But the second he finishes with her, we're next on the chopping block."

"So, I highly recommend you take a long vacation and go into hiding. I already have a jet on standby. I leave tomorrow."

Laurel blinked in shock. "Where are you going?"

"Antarctica," Beckett said flatly.

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