The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1199

“I’ve taken care of everything else,” Stella said quietly.

Joshua looked apologetic. “I’m sorry. I haven’t been any help to you—just trouble. And now, I’m the one you’re taking care of.”

Stella was about to reply when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen.

Antoney.

She answered, “Hey, Antoney.”

“Star, I just landed in Germany,” he said.

“Thanks for handling things so openly these past few days,” Stella replied. “We need the Gibson family’s attention on you for now.”

Antoney chuckled. “That’s no problem at all.”

He hesitated before adding, “Star, are you sure you don’t want my help?”

“You’re already helping me just by being there,” Stella assured him.

Antoney pressed, “We could just leave together. Even if Gibson finds out, he wouldn’t dare touch me.”

Stella shook her head, glancing over at Joshua, who was scrolling through his phone. “I could leave with you, but Joshua can’t. There’s no way they’d ever let him go.”

She lowered her voice. “He’s rescued me so many times. This time, I have to make sure he’s safe.”

Antoney was loyal to a fault; he understood perfectly. He sighed. “Just be careful. If anything goes wrong, call me right away. I’ll back you up.”

“Don’t worry,” Stella said. “I’ve already arranged for backup. We’ll be fine.”

After acquiring the Pearce Group and buying out that Israeli business, Stella had impressed Nora’s former investors so much that they handed over the last of Nora’s connections and resources to her. For the first time, Stella had a network of her own.

Antoney knew Stella never acted recklessly, so he didn’t push further.

Joshua’s eyes widened in surprise. “Bedtime stories?”

“When Keen was little,” Stella explained, “he couldn’t fall asleep on his own. I’d read to him every night. It helped him relax—just like music does. Maybe it’ll help you too.”

Joshua didn’t seem embarrassed by the idea. In fact, he looked almost eager. “No one’s ever read me a bedtime story before.”

Stella’s gaze softened.

She’d grown up with just her mother, but Nora had given her all the warmth and love she could. Stella had never lacked the ability to care for others.

Joshua, on the other hand, hadn’t been so lucky.

Her tone grew gentler as she looked at him. “Lie down and get comfortable. You might just drift off before I finish.”

Joshua suddenly asked, “And what about you?”