The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1316

Stella turned to see Antoney escorting a distinguished older man, Mr. Burton. He was flanked by several doctors in white coats who were urgently briefing him on Joshua's condition.

The sight of Mr. Burton brought a rush of tears to Stella's eyes. The crushing weight on her chest eased, as if she were seeing a beloved family member.

"Mr. Burton," she said, her voice thick as she went to meet him.

Mr. Burton had been filled in on the way over. He placed a comforting hand on Stella's shoulder. "Stella, don't you worry," he said in a warm, steady voice. "As long as that boy has a single breath left in him, I'll pull him back from the brink. You can trust me with his surgery."

Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "Thank you, Mr. Burton. Thank you."

She had called him on the way to the hospital, and he had agreed to come without hesitation. Entrusting Antoney to bring him had been the safest and most reliable choice.

Harold and Jake's tense expressions also softened with relief. Mr. Burton was a legend who had retired years ago, vowing never to set foot in an operating room again. He ran a small clinic, prescribing medicine, but it was nearly impossible to persuade him to perform surgery. His skill was beyond question; even they knew of no one better.

As Mr. Burton disappeared into the OR, Jake glanced down at his phone, a strange look crossing his face.

"What is it?" Harold asked in a low voice.

"I think I made a mistake," Jake muttered.

"What happened?"

Jake showed him the text on his phone. Harold's eyes widened when he saw the recipient's name.

"Why did you call *her*?" he hissed, keeping his voice down.

Antoney shot him a disdainful look. "We have Joshua to thank for that. Otherwise, Keen might not have made it. You're his father, yet his bodyguard shows more dedication."

Haynes said nothing.

Bodyguard? Joshua's feelings for Stella were clearly far more complicated than that. But this wasn't the time to argue the point.

Just then, Stella noticed Jake and Harold whispering urgently. Harold's presence made sense, but why was Jake here?

Her exhausted mind finally started to connect the dots. She looked at Jake. "Mr. Jake, what are you doing here? Do you know Joshua, too?"

Jake and Harold, consumed with worry for Joshua, had completely forgotten about their cover.