The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2177

Juniper's voice drifted into Stella's ears as if piercing through layers of heavy fog.

"I packed some snacks for you to take home. Eat them whenever you get hungry so your stomach issues don't flare up again."

"Oh, and I packed extra floral tea for you. It's a custom blend designed to soothe your stomach, along with some cold-dispelling tea... if you ever get caught in the rain again, just brew a cup to warm up."

"You didn't even tell me you were that sick last time. I had to hear from Harold and Jake that you ran a fever for three days and ended up hospitalized."

Juniper seemed determined to give Joshua the very best of everything she possessed.

Just then, Leonard stood up abruptly.

"It's getting late. We should head back."

Juniper finally tore her attention away from Joshua. She clearly didn't care much for Leonard.

"Since you have things to do, you can go ahead."

She turned to Stella. "Why don't you stay a bit longer, Ms. Cameron?"

Stella's long eyelashes fluttered downward, hiding the chaotic emotions in her eyes.

"No, thank you. I have things to take care of as well."

A look of genuine disappointment flashed across Juniper's face.

She didn't push it. "Alright then. Since you're both busy, I won't hold you back."

She reached aside and handed them two beautifully packaged gift bags. "These are for you. Just some pastries and tea as a small token of my appreciation."

Leonard was about to decline, but Juniper beat him to the punch.

"Joshua is my friend, and you two are my friends now as well.

It's just a little gesture. Please don't refuse."

Leonard glanced at Stella, who reached out and took the bags from Juniper.

"Thank you."

Juniper walked them toward the door.

As they passed the main floral display, she stopped, picked out two bouquets, and handed one to each of them.

Watching his retreating figure, Juniper couldn't hide the disappointment on her face.

...

Stella and Leonard drove back to the cafe in heavy silence.

On the way, Leonard had tried to speak a few times, but inexplicably bit his tongue.

The moment they stepped into the cafe, they saw the staff running around in an absolute panic.

Leonard frowned. "What's going on?"

Seeing him return, the two employees looked like they were on the verge of tears.

"Boss, it's terrible! Calico... Calico sneaked out while we were busy!"

...

After leaving the flower shop, Joshua hadn't gone straight home. Instead, he took a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood.

Barely a few minutes into his walk, a bright-eyed calico cat with a glossy coat darted right into his path.