The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The absence of trouble often signals a deeper problem.

Without evidence, Mr. Burton wouldn't have spoken so recklessly, either. But odds were, he had his eye on Stella and was just looking for an excuse to get closer.

With things laid out this plainly, Stella couldn't refuse anymore.

"All right," she agreed.

Mr. Burton's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

After exchanging a few more words, Stella stood and took her leave.

She had barely stepped out of Mr. Burton's house when her phone began to ring.

The caller ID flashed a number she knew all too well.

Haynes.

Why was he calling her now?

Without thinking, Stella declined the call.

A minute later, Haynes rang again.

She still didn't pick up.

As far as she was concerned, there was nothing left to say between them.

But just a few minutes later, Foreman's name lit up her screen.

Sensing something was wrong, Stella hesitated, then picked up.

"Star,” Foreman's voice was grave on the other end. "Keen's been kidnapped."

All color drained from Stella's face. "What happened?"

"It's the weekend," Foreman explained. "Rachel took Keen to the amusement park, and both of them were abducted. Star, if you have time, could you come help us figure out what to do?"

Even if she'd been disappointed in Keen, he was still her child-flesh and blood. There was no way she could stand by after something like this.

"Where are you? I'm coming now."

Foreman paused. "Haynie's already on his way to pick you up. He should be there

in about ten minutes. Just wait for him where you are."

Right now, Stella couldn't care less about whatever bad blood she had with Haynes.

"I understand."

After she hung up, Joshua caught the look on her face and asked, "What

happened? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Stella didn't hide it. "My son's been kidnapped."

"You have a son?" Joshua looked surprised. "Yes. Why?"

He shrugged. "You just don't seem like the type."

Stella had no interest in

her private life. "I need to find

my

alto interest in discussing

son. should go back-Abby's already rented you an apartment."

Joshua shook his head. "No way. I don't have a phone, I don't have cash-if I get lost, I'll have no way to reach anyone."

Stella frowned.

She could give him money, but there was no way she'd hand over her phone-not now, when she needed to be reachable every second.

After a moment, she said, "I'll call Abby to come get you."

Joshua eyed her suspiciously. "This isn't just your latest excuse to ditch me, is it?"

But Stella's mind was on Keen, not on Joshua's suspicions.

Haynes was wealthy and powerful, with plenty of enemies, no doubt. But all these years she'd been raising Keen alone, nothing like this had ever happened. The first time Rachel took Keen out, he was kidnapped.

Stella's fists clenched unconsciously.

Ever since Rachel came back, Keen had eaten cake, and even had nuts-despite his allergy.

A bitter ache welled up in Stella's chest. Her son adored and trusted the very woman who'd torn their family apart.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed when a sleek black sedan pulled up beside

her.

The window rolled down, revealing a strikingly handsome face, sharp and distant.

Haynes.

He opened his mouth to say

something-but then he caught sight of the man standing next to Stella. Instantly, his expression darkened. noveldrama