The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2231

Laurel completely ignored the tactical update, her eyes locked on Stella's pale, drawn features.

"You look like hell, Stella. You need to go home and crash."

Stella looked completely hollowed out, as if she were running on pure adrenaline and sheer willpower.

Riding a devastating emotional rollercoaster on zero sleep had finally caught up with her. She felt like she was going to collapse.

But she couldn't afford to rest.

Leonard had abducted Juniper because of her.

Between the debt she owed Juniper and Joshua's life-or-death need for this marriage, stepping away was impossible.

Stella shook her head. "I'm staying."

She hesitated. "How is... Joshua holding up?"

"He's completely stone-faced," Laurel replied dryly. "But that's his default setting."

Stella vividly recalled the raw, unhinged panic Joshua had displayed when she had been kidnapped. A bitter ache bloomed in her chest.

"He made the right choice marrying her," Stella murmured.

Laurel clearly remembered that incident too.

Sighing softly, Laurel said, "Let's wait inside for updates."

Stella nodded.

Back inside the apartment, the two women meticulously tossed the place, hunting for any scrap of a clue.

Unfortunately, aside from the abandoned phone, the place was completely sterile.

Finding nothing, Laurel turned to Joshua. "What's the play, Joshua?"

Joshua was leaning back on the plush sofa, his eyes closed in resting repose.

Hearing his name, he opened his eyes, directing a dark, mocking gaze at Stella.

"You should be asking Ms. Cameron. After all, her little attack dog orchestrated this hit.

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