The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Abby stared at her in surprise. "I thought you didn't know anything about music. How do you even recognize 'Moonlight'?"

Joshua replied, "When I came in just now, I heard Miss Fletcher playing it on the piano. It sounded beautiful, and I was curious what it would feel like to hear that piece on this violin."noveldrama

The Nocturne Stella was a legendary instrument-rare and precious.

Everyone who heard about the Nocturne Stella wanted to experience what made it so unique.

Even back when Candida first found out about it, she'd made the same request. No one found it strange-who wouldn't want to hear such a famous violin?

"Moonlight" was their chosen opening piece for the upcoming concert.

It wasn't an easy piece, but Stella was the composer herself. After years of relentless practice, it came as easily to her as breathing.

Stella didn't hesitate. "Alright."

She picked up the Nocturne Stella and was just about to play when her phone suddenly rang.

Her brow furrowed slightly.

It was Haynes.

After a beat, Stella answered the call.

"Is something wrong?"

Haynes's voice was low and steady. "Do you have a moment? Could you come by the hospital?"

A suspicion flickered through Stella's mind. "Is this about the kidnapping? Do you need to question me?"

There was a pause on the other end, then Haynes answered quietly, "Yes."

"I understand. I'll be there soon."

Once she hung up, Stella turned to Joshua. "Something's come up—I'll have to play for you another time."

Joshua would be sticking around to help in the coming days; there'd be plenty of chances for him to hear the Nocturne Stella.

Joshua just nodded. "Of course. Don't worry about it.”

Stella was about to leave when Abby called after her.

"Star, do you want me to come with you?"

Abby had picked up enough from Stella's side of the conversation to sense trouble.

If Haynes was summoning Stella at this hour, it couldn't be good news.

Stella shook her head. "No, I'll be fine on my own."

Abby hesitated, concern etched on her face. "But-"

"Don't worry. With Mr. Burton's influence, there's nothing they can do to me."

Right, Mr. Burton.

Abby relaxed a little. "Okay, but call me if anything happens, alright?"

Stella promised she would, then headed for the hospital.

...

She pushed open the door to the patient room and was surprised to find quite a crowd inside.

Besides Haynes, Jasper, and Keen, even Foreman was there.

Stella's eyes landed on Jasper's bruised and battered face, and she startled in surprise.

Had Jasper gotten into a fight?

He was always loud and blustering,

but getting into an actual brawl? That was hardly the image of a spoiled rich kid. Usually, he'd just send some of his hangers-on to do his dirty work.

Maybe karma finally caught up to him.

The thought passed quickly, and Stella looked away.

"So, what was so urgent that you needed me here?"

Jasper sneered. "You're the one behind Rachel and Keen's kidnapping, aren't you?"

Stella glanced around the room. Their expressions were all different.

Keen gazed at her with wide, anxious eyes, clearly torn.

Foreman's look was full of worry.

Rachel seemed as if she wanted to say something, but stopped herself.

And Haynes-his face was unreadable, impossible to tell what he was thinking.

Stella's tone was calm. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Jasper pulled a dramatic face.

Si Gutting on quite a

nel

show With acting skills like that, it's a shame you never won an Oscar."

Stella didn't bother to look at him, turning instead to Foreman.

"Did you catch Lind?"

Foreman shook his head, about to answer, but Jasper jumped in first.

"You even

still denow his name? And you s to Comewhy.

Stella, just admit it why did you kidnap Rachel?"