The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1533

Joshua, of course, knew what Harold was thinking.

He walked to the window, gazing at the endless night outside. "A man like me… since I can't give her a future, why would I trifle with her feelings?"

Harold was stunned. So, the reason he had held back from confessing was because… he didn't think he had long to live? An indescribable sadness washed over Harold. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. This was the predetermined fate of the Gardners at birth, a destiny no one had yet managed to break.

He finally understood. Joshua had stayed by Stella's side as a bodyguard and never confessed the truth about Rachel Pearce, not because he feared she wouldn't forgive him, but because he didn't have time to waste. His goal was to eliminate every obstacle in Stella's path while he was still alive and capable, ensuring her future would be smoother. For him, creating that future for her was far more important. Whether he earned her forgiveness before he died seemed to be a secondary concern.

Harold felt small for getting caught up in romantic trifles. He thought Joshua had changed, but he hadn't. He was still the same as always, never thinking of himself.

"So, why did you come looking for me?" Joshua asked.

"The paintings and the other items you arranged have been delivered to Ms. Cameron's private vault in Solmaris. They're ready to be handed over at the appropriate time," Harold reported. "There's one other thing…" He wore a helpless expression. "Sellers Burton is just too cautious. After he and Israel Williams both took a major hit, finding leverage on him has become even more difficult. Mr. Gardner, we… we can't think of a better way."

Joshua's expression remained placid. "Leonard has weaknesses. Sellers has very few. It's normal that he's difficult to deal with."

Seeing Joshua's composure, Harold began to feel more confident. "Mr. Gardner, have you thought of a better strategy?"

After all, Mr. Burton had once saved Joshua. He couldn't treat Sellers with the same brutality as Leonard or the same deception as Israel.

This overt scheme was a perfect solution, preserving the relationship between Mr. Burton and Stella. If Sellers couldn't compete, that was his own failing.

Even Mr. Burton couldn't complain; this was just how business worked.

This move wouldn't bankrupt The Burton Group, but it would leave it severely wounded. A crippled Leonard and a badly wounded Sellers… Aurora Williams would probably have a hard time choosing.