The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1296

Haynes's blunt rejection had been a blow to Queenie's pride, but she wasn't ready to give up.

She had asked Aurora to find a way to keep Keen at the manor longer, giving her more time with Haynes. But before she could formulate a new plan, Keen was kidnapped.

A short while ago, she had gone to find Haynes, intending to offer some comfort, but overheard his argument with Stella. Stella had refused to trade the man responsible for her son's safety. It was clear she couldn't bear to part with Joshua.

For a moment, Queenie was tempted to expose Joshua's true identity right then and there, to show Stella that the man she was protecting didn't need her protection at all. But her rational mind held her back. It was better to let Haynes see Stella's true colors for himself. Perhaps then he would finally give up on her. And Joshua… his silence proved he wasn't truly loyal to Stella either. If Keen died, Stella's relationship with both men would be shattered.

But hearing Stella's dismissive tone now, a hot rage ignited within her. This fake heiress who had charmed her grandfather out of his resources, this woman who would choose a man over her own son—who was she to lecture her?

Fueled by indignation, Queenie raised her hand and swung hard at Stella's face.

But before the blow could land, Stella caught her wrist. With a swift movement, she reversed the motion and slapped Queenie so hard she stumbled and fell to the floor.

*Slap!*

"You don't blame me?" Joshua asked, his eyes searching hers.

"You weren't the one who kidnapped him. Why would I blame you?"

"But if it weren't for me, Gibson wouldn't have taken Keen," he insisted.

At that, a thoughtful expression crossed Stella's face. "Something about this is strange. Gibson pressured me to hand you over before, but after I exposed what Stuart did, he seemed to back off. He's been quiet for so long… I wonder if something happened to provoke him, to push him over the edge."