The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2197

Stella gave a slight nod.

Harold and Jake didn't dare meet Stella's eyes, quickly excusing themselves from the room.

Once they were gone, Stella looked at Juniper's visibly pale face and asked, "How are you feeling now, Miss Croft?"

Juniper brushed it off. "I'm fine. It's just a flesh wound."

Stella said, "Miss Croft, I'm truly sorry. You helped me invite Mr. Gardner out, and it ended up getting you hurt. And... thank you for stepping up to take that bullet for me..."

Juniper quickly cut her off. "Miss Cameron, you don't need to thank me. I just didn't want to see Joshua get hurt. And..."

Her voice dropped to a soft, self-directed whisper.

"As long as he doesn't blame me."

Stella didn't understand. "Blame you?"

Juniper lowered her head. "I was just trying to be clever. If he didn't want to get hurt, that bullet might not have even hit him. But I didn't want him to take the risk... I acted out of turn."

She stumbled over her words, saying things that made no sense to Stella.

In the end, it seemed even Juniper didn't quite know what she was saying.

She sighed. "Well, anyway, it's not what you think."

Stella said, "We judge people by their actions, not just their intentions. No matter what, your bravery in that moment was genuine, and that's what matters most. Also, you lost your hair trying to protect me... I'm incredibly grateful to you and Mr. Gardner for what happened today. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

Juniper glanced at Stella and said softly, "I don't need anything, but Joshua... he seems to have quite a few needs. If you feel you owe a debt, just make it up to him."

As if remembering something, Juniper quickly added, "Oh, right, Joshua agreed to give the cat back to you. He went to pick it up and should be back soon. If you're not in a hurry, you can chat with me while we wait for him."

But Stella stood up. "No, Leonard was badly hurt as well. I need to go check on his condition."

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