The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1166

Stella’s car had long since been modified by Joshua—reinforced windows, bulletproof panels, the works. But tonight, the enemy’s firepower was overwhelming. Even the armored glass began to splinter with web-like cracks. It hadn’t shattered yet, but at this rate, it was only a matter of time.

Ahead of them, multiple headlights flickered on. Out here, on this deserted back road, it was rare to see a single car, let alone a convoy. The message was clear: these vehicles were here for them.

Joshua’s usually calm expression hardened. “This road is too narrow,” he told Stella, voice tight. “And with that many cars blocking us, if we try to ram through, we’ll end up tumbling off the cliff.”

On one side of their route, a sheer drop vanished into darkness. On the other, the thick tangle of forest loomed. If they plunged off the cliff, it would be instant death. But crashing into the trees wasn’t much better—once the car was wrecked, they’d be sitting ducks for their pursuers.

Every option was a gamble with terrible odds.

Joshua was an expert behind the wheel, and there was no one she’d rather have driving in a crisis. But even he wasn’t invincible. Surrounded front and back by armed men, he couldn’t hope to fight them off alone.

He made a decision in a heartbeat. “Star, get ready. We’re ditching the car soon.”

Stella had been through this before. Her fingers were steady as she nodded. “Okay.”

Joshua handed her a pistol—sleek and cold in her palm. “If you have to, use it to protect yourself.”

Stella nodded again and took the gun. After moving to Solmaris, she’d learned to shoot; in this country, safety was a luxury, and she had more enemies than friends. She wasn’t a natural with weapons, but Joshua’s training had gotten her to a passable level.

Joshua floored the gas, swerving to clip a few of the attackers’ cars and send them spinning off the road. Then he veered into the dense woods. They made it barely fifty feet before the car slammed into a thick tree trunk, shuddering to a stop.

That shot changed everything. Suddenly, the assassins’ attention zeroed in on Joshua, and chaos erupted.

Stella ducked into the undergrowth, heart pounding. Bright beams from the attackers’ cars cut through the darkness, illuminating every movement.

Joshua’s position was blown. Knives flashed in the moonlight—these killers were as skilled with blades as with guns. Sensing a close-quarters fight, several drew knives and advanced, while others kept their distance, guns trained on Joshua, ready to shoot the moment he was in their sights.

Stella trusted Joshua’s skills, but watching from afar, she felt her breath catch. Then she spotted a figure—a killer slipping silently through the trees, circling behind Joshua.

She didn’t know if Joshua had seen him, but she couldn’t risk assuming he had. There were too many of them, and judging by their ruthless precision, none would hesitate to pull the trigger.