The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella's gaze drifted from Candida over to Joshua.

Karl, despite all his bravado, was utterly helpless in Joshua's grip-completely overpowered, with not even a chance to fight back.

It wasn't so much Joshua's strength that stood out, but his razor-sharp mind. He anticipated everything, calculating every move with precision.

Candida, meanwhile, showed no mercy.

A sickening crack split the air as she shattered the bones in Karl's hand. Her eyes remained cold and unflinching, though her face had gone ghostly pale.

It was the first time she'd ever done something like this, and her hands trembled slightly. But she knew she had no choice-not just to avenge Star, but to keep her safe. If Karl wanted revenge, he could take it out on her; she wouldn't let him touch Star.

Stella's attention shifted from Joshua back to Candida. "That's enough, Candida. Let's leave it at that."

As much as Stella felt Karl deserved worse, this was still a society governed by law, and there were lines she couldn't cross.

She turned to Joshua. "Call an ambulance for him."noveldrama

Joshua nodded, dialing emergency services without hesitation. He understood, too-Karl couldn't die, especially not here. There was a world of difference

between an injury and a corpse.

Once the call was made, Stella said gently, "Candida, you should skip your piano practice today. Just go home and get some rest."

After everything that had happened, Candida looked utterly drained, as if the

slightest breeze could topple her. She didn't argue. "Okay."

Stella grabbed her music sheets from the studio, then turned to Joshua. "Let's get Candida home."

Joshua drove, making sure Candida reached her house safely.

Before Candida got out of the car, Stella said quietly, "If anything unexpected happens, call me right away."

Candida managed a faint, weary smile. "I will."

Once Candida had left, Joshua turned to Stella. "Ms. Cameron, should we go to the hospital now?"

Stella shook her head. "No, take me to Mr. Burton's first."

Last time, the trouble with Sellers had blown over because neither side was seriously hurt. This time, Karl's injuries were severe-there was no way to keep it quiet.

With that in mind, Stella borrowed Joshua's phone and quickly called Neville and Abby, explaining the situation in brief.

Judging by Karl's character, he

seemed even worse than Sellers Stella couldn't shake the fear that he'd try to retaliate-especially since Marvin was staying at her place. She worried Karl might go after him.

Neville listened, his voice turning dark and heavy. "Star, don't worry. Marvin will be fine."

He paused, then added, "For now, I'll have someone keep an eye on you-quietly. Don't say no, Star."

Stella knew she'd made too many enemies lately and simply replied, "Thank you." After hanging up, Stella went to see Mr. Burton.

She didn't hold anything back, recounting everything that had happened in detail.

Mr. Burton's reaction was

immediate and furious. "Stella, you

did the right thing! That bastard Karl-if he ever lays a finger on you again don't worry about my reputation. Just break him right there on the spot! The Burtons have plenty of people; losing a few won't matter. You did what you had to do, and I promise, I won't let Karl cause you any more trouble."

A wave of guilt washed over Stella. The whole mess with Sellers and now Karl really had nothing to do with Mr. Burton himself-Sellers

after Aurora Williams, and Karl was

was

out for Candida. Yet Mr. Burton was the one left to clean up after both of them.

He sighed. "The Burtons are a big family, and I've been out of the picture for

years. I usually stay out of the younger generation's affairs..."