The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1300

Hearing what sounded like a final farewell, Harold felt a tremor of fear.

Joshua had faced countless dangers, but never before had he spoken like this. He'd never even considered writing a will, because he had no attachments to this world. Leaving behind a fortune for others to fight over would have appealed to his darker sense of humor. But this time was different.

"Mr. Gardner," Harold said, his throat tight, "the Gardner family assets are immense. Ms. Cameron might not be able to protect them on her own. It could bring her more harm than good…" He was trying to convince Joshua to stay alive, to continue protecting her himself.

But Joshua replied, "The woman she was before might not have been able to, but the woman she is now is second to none. If something does happen to me, you and Jake will protect her. You will advise her."

"If it weren't for Foreman's meddling, Stella wouldn't have been in danger so many times," Harold pressed. "Why don't you expose him? Even if Ms. Cameron doesn't believe you, she'll at least be wary of him."

*Why?* Because even now, he wasn't sure who mattered more to Stella. Him or Foreman. If he died, the letter he'd left for her would be sent automatically.

Changing the subject, Joshua said, "Get ready. We can't give Gibson time to think."

Seeing that his mind was made up, Harold could only agree. Just as he was about to hang up, Joshua stopped him.

"And one more thing. Don't let Star know about this yet."

"I understand," Harold said.

Stella nodded. "Now that we know his motive, we can plan our next move."

However, given Gibson's current state, anyone who went would be at high risk of injury or death. One thing was certain: Joshua could not go. If he did, he might never come back. Neither Stella nor Haynes was naive enough to believe a kidnapper would honor his word and release Keen.

After a few seconds of silence, Haynes said, "I'll go negotiate with him. I have no personal stake in his revenge. Maybe he'll be less agitated if he sees me."

Stella knew he was just trying to reassure her. With a desperate man like Gibson, anyone who went was walking into danger.

She shook her head. "Gibson is too smart for that. If neither of the people he holds responsible shows up, he'll feel like he has no hope for revenge, and that could make him do something drastic. We need you here to coordinate the rescue operation. You have to stay."