The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1298

What kind of credibility could a man like Gibson have? There wasn't an honest word in his mouth. Stella was no longer the sheltered, naive housewife she once was. Gibson's empty threats might have worked on her before, but not now.

Foreman suppressed a wave of jealousy. No matter how she explained it, the bottom line was that Stella couldn't bear to give up Joshua.

"Your theory makes sense," he conceded, "but we can't rule out the 'what ifs.' What if there's a chance to save Keen? If you refuse Gibson, what if he gets desperate and kills Keen?"

Stella looked at Foreman, her mind clearer than it had ever been. "Foreman, dealing with a man like this is no different from gambling. And what do you gamble with? Luck? No. You gamble with psychology. The moment you show weakness, the moment you lose your nerve, you've lost. It's the same with Gibson. If I had readily agreed to hand over Joshua, he would have only pushed for more. He would have known his leverage was absolute. Think about it, Foreman. If you held such a valuable chip against your enemy, wouldn't you try to get as much as you could out of it?"

Foreman was taken aback. He wanted to argue, but the words wouldn't come. He knew she was right.

In that moment, he felt like he was looking at a stranger. Stella had grown into someone he no longer recognized. Some mothers fell apart when their children were in danger. Others discovered a hidden strength. Stella was clearly the latter.

As he stood there, lost in thought, her voice came again. "I'm certain Gibson has already laid a trap for us. He hates Joshua, and he hates me. Revenge is the only thing he has left. But what do you think would happen if, even with his dying wish, he fails to get that revenge?"

"Gibson," he said calmly. "Let Keen go. Name your terms."

Gibson's distorted laugh echoed through the line. "Well, well. You've got some loyalty after all. Your little girlfriend can't bear to hand you over, but you're willing to step up and settle the score?"

Joshua gave a soft chuckle. "Mr. Gibson, do you take everyone for a fool? Do you think we can't see your real endgame? If I showed up, would you really let Keen go? I doubt either of us would walk out of there alive. If I'm not mistaken, you've got the place rigged with explosives, don't you? Planning to take me with you? It's a shame your plan has a flaw. As long as I don't show up, you can't get your revenge before you die. As for Keen… he's not my son. Why should I care if he dies? If I stay away, what can you possibly do to me?"