The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1326

It was from Lauretta Chapman.

"Star, are you busy lately?"

Lauretta knew nothing about Keen's kidnapping. Other than Antoney, Stella hadn't even told Abby or Neville Connolly. The crisis was over, and there was no sense in worrying them now.

At that moment, Stella was in Joshua's hospital room, working. Since joining The Williams Group, her workload had actually become lighter. Skyler had yet to give her or Aurora an official position, so she only had to manage her original company's affairs. There were no major projects at the moment, and she could delegate the smaller ones after a quick review.

She glanced at Joshua's still form, then stepped out of the room.

"I'm not too busy," Stella said. "Lauretta, is there something I can help you with?"

Lauretta hesitated. "Star, do you remember that buyer you met back in college when you were selling your paintings?"

"Yes, I remember," Stella said. "I was desperate for money back then. I heard he bought all my subsequent pieces. Even when I raised the price, he bought them without a second thought and even gave me an extra fifty thousand. It really helped me out of a tight spot."

"Well," Lauretta said, "the classmate who helped you sell them contacted me recently. He said the buyer wants to purchase more of your work and was wondering if you'd be willing to sell him a few pieces."

Lauretta had been the one to arrange the sale of Stella's paintings; back then, Stella had no connections. She was just starting out, and getting her work into an exhibition at all was a favor from Lauretta. Fortunately, though she was unknown, her work had a spark. Even tucked away in a forgotten corner, her first piece sold on opening day.

Hearing that it was the same buyer, Stella agreed without hesitation. "Of course. I can paint a few pieces as a gift to thank him for his support back then."

Stella's desire for privacy was more about avoiding disturbances than hiding anything. There was nothing shameful about being the artist ‘summer'.

"I understand," Stella said. "If anything comes up, let me know."

...

At the Lerman estate.

Leonard had just hung up with Israel when his assistant called with a report.