The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1357

Joshua walked over to Stella and suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace. Stella froze for a second, caught off guard. She heard his voice, deeper and huskier than usual, whisper in her ear, "Star, thank you."

His grip seemed to lose control, holding her so tightly it felt as if he were trying to merge her into his very being.

Stella could clearly feel the frantic rhythm of his heartbeat, his ragged breathing, and the slight trembling of his body. Even if the others couldn't see his face, they could sense his overwhelming emotion and loss of composure.

While Joshua's gesture was bold, at that moment, no one saw it as merely romantic. Anyone who received such a gift would have reacted the same way, perhaps even more emotionally.

Though it was Stella's birthday, Joshua had become the center of attention.

It was clear she had used her own celebration as an excuse to give him one. The depth of her care was enough to make anyone jealous.

Haynes and Neville watched the scene unfold, their expressions grim. Even Leonard, observing through his binoculars from afar, found the sight irritating. He unconsciously tightened his grip on the device, which creaked under the pressure, threatening to crack.

He had treated Aurora no worse than Joshua treated Stella. Why did Joshua get this, and he got nothing?

On impulse, Leonard dialed Aurora's number. "Aurora, I want a belated birthday celebration."

…

Antoney was speechless for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. "Abby, have you ever stopped to think why Joshua would risk his life for Star? Is it just because she pays him well? Don't you think the help he gives her goes far beyond an employer-employee relationship, or even a friendship?" He continued, "I heard from Star that when she needed a large sum of money to acquire the Pearce Group, Joshua called in a favor and got her fifty billion. Do you really think a man who can give away fifty billion without blinking an eye cares about a bodyguard's salary?"

Abby was stunned. "What? Joshua was the one who helped with the fifty billion?"

"Yes, Star told me herself, so it's definitely true. And that so-called investor is an acquaintance of Joshua's. He visited Joshua frequently in the hospital; they seemed very close."

At this point, even someone as oblivious as Abby could sense that something was unusual. "Are you trying to say… Joshua likes Star?"