The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1373

Sellers had told him that Stella was the one behind the livestream incident that had ruined his reputation. After that, he became a laughingstock and was forced to resign from his position. While he was lying low, his rivals relentlessly circulated his embarrassing photos and videos. Karl's hatred for Stella now ran bone-deep.

Being the target of such a venomous gaze, Stella felt a wave of bewilderment. She hadn't actually done anything to him, yet he looked at her as if she had murdered his entire family. Was it because she was close to Mr. Burton, and they saw her as a threat to their interests?

Just then, Joshua stepped forward, blocking Karl's line of sight. "Mr. Burton, you really are a glutton for punishment. Are you determined to smash your head against a wall until it breaks?"

Karl didn't know Joshua's true identity, assuming he was just a skilled bodyguard. He had no idea what Joshua was talking about. After a dismissive glance, his eyes snapped back to Stella.

"Stella, it's time to choose," he said flatly. "Either you destroy your own hand to free Candida, or you hand her over to me."

Stella's eyes flickered toward her snipers, who were already in position. A small smile played on her lips. "Karl, you're in no position to be making deals with me."

Before Karl could respond, Candida suddenly bit down hard on his hand. He flinched in pain and reflexively let go. He recovered quickly and lunged for her, but a fierce light glinted in Candida's eyes. She sidestepped his grasp and yelled, "Go on, shoot me if you have the guts!"

Karl hesitated for a fraction of a second. In that instant, a gunshot cracked through the air. His arm trembled, and the gun clattered to the ground. Joshua stood calmly nearby, a wisp of white smoke drifting from the barrel of his pistol.

In a shocking move, Candida, who was already free, darted back to snatch the fallen gun. She aimed it at Karl, her eyes icy. "Let us leave, or I'll shoot!"

Stella had complete faith in Joshua's methods, so she simply nodded without further questions. However, Karl wasn't taken to the police station. He was sent to a mental asylum.

…

When Karl woke up after having the bullet removed, he was met with a handsome, refined face. He stared for a second. "You?! Did Stella send you?!"

Joshua's voice was lazy, almost casual. "Mr. Burton, didn't your last spectacular failure teach you anything? Why are you so determined not to learn your lesson?"