The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1372

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Karl?"

Thinking he might have forgotten, Stella reminded him, "Candida's ex-boyfriend. You've met him."

Not only had they met, but Joshua had also driven a knife straight through Karl's hand. Oh, Joshua remembered Karl. He was just surprised the man had the guts to show his face again.

"Alright," Joshua said. "Let's go see what he's up to now."

Stella and Joshua stood up to leave. After a few steps, Stella paused as if remembering something. She turned back to the other two. "Mr. Lerman, Ms. Williams, we have an urgent matter to attend to. I'm afraid we can't see you home."

With their status, getting a ride was a simple phone call away for Leonard and Aurora.

Aurora, ever poised and considerate, replied, "Of course. You two go handle your business."

Leonard remained silent.

Stella had only addressed them out of courtesy; she couldn't care less whether Leonard responded.

The heavy rain had passed as quickly as it came. By the time they stepped out of the restaurant, the storm had ended, and the sky was clear. Stella made a call to track Karl's location and began coordinating the rescue and extraction teams. Joshua watched her, a faint smile touching his lips as she handled everything with calm efficiency.

Soon, Stella had Candida's location. "Joshua, let's go," she said.

"Right."

They found Karl dragging Candida toward a villa. She was struggling fiercely, her face a mask of disgust and revulsion.

He pressed a finger to her lips. "Don't worry," he murmured. "I'm not a lunatic like Leonard who'd arrange for other men to be with you. We'll just give Stella a choice. If she's willing to destroy her hand for you, I'll never bother you again. I'll set you free. If she refuses, then you'll cut all ties with her and come back to me. How does that sound?"

Candida took a deep breath, about to say something to placate him when a clear, captivating voice cut through the air.

"Mr. Burton, you've got quite the nerve."

Karl froze. He hadn't even contacted Stella yet. How had she found them so quickly? Seeing her, Stella was also a bit surprised. While Karl's character was questionable, he had always been known in their circle as a handsome, debonair gentleman. But the man before her now looked even more haggard and sinister than Leonard.

"Karl, let Candida go," Stella said evenly. "For Mr. Burton and Candida's sake, I'll let bygones be bygones."

At the sight of Stella, a visceral hatred flared in Karl's eyes, a look so intense it was as if he wanted to tear her limb from limb.