The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1905

Stella looked at them, her expression heavy with conflict. "Antoney, Lauretta... how do you want to handle this?"

Lauretta took a deep, shuddering breath. "Mr. Watson was just collateral damage in a hit meant for me. So... he doesn't have to take responsibility for any of this."

Abby, entirely unable to filter herself, blurted out, "But the story is already out there! It's blowing up as we speak.

If you two just admit you're dating, we can spin it. But if you walk away and say it was nothing, Lauretta's reputation is going to be completely trashed."

This was basically the equivalent of getting caught having an illicit affair.

Abby muttered under her breath, "Lauretta, your fake friend is absolutely ruthless. She's throwing you straight to the wolves."

The world was always infinitely harsher on women when it came to scandals.

Lauretta had only just broken off her engagement with Jonathan, and now she was caught in a hotel room with another man.

If they were dating, fine. But if they weren't... the media would tear her to shreds.

Stella turned to Antoney. "What do you think we should do?"

Antoney met Stella's eyes and fell dead silent.

After a long, agonizing pause, his voice came out rough and raspy. "I... I'll make this right."

He turned slowly to face Lauretta.

"Ms. Chapman, let's get married."

The very next day, the Watson family officially announced their engagement to the Chapman family.

...

The night air was cool and crisp.

A woman's slender silhouette cast a long, wavering shadow under the moonlight.

Led by Jake, she pushed open the heavy double doors and stepped into the room.

Inside, a strikingly handsome young man lounged gracefully on the sofa. He looked as if he were fighting off a headache, his eyes closed as he massaged his temples. Yet, even in this relaxed state, he radiated an air of dangerous elegance that commanded absolute terror.

"Mr. Gardner."

Nyla Delaney didn't dare look at him for more than a second. He was undeniably the most breathtaking man she had ever seen, but every time she was in his presence, she couldn't stop herself from trembling. The fear seeped all the way into her bones.

The man slowly lifted his head, his gaze landing on her.

It was a casual glance, but it felt as heavy and sharp as a physical blade.

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