The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1098

As soon as Marvin’s name was mentioned, Keen’s face tensed.

“That troublemaker… he’s in Solmaris too?”

Foreman inclined his head with a subtle nod.

Keen sprang to his feet. “Mr. Richards, I miss my mom. Can you take me to her?”

A faint, nearly imperceptible smile played at the corners of Foreman’s mouth.

He put on a show of reluctance. “But Joshua told me not to let you wander around. If anything happens to you, I’ll be the one to blame.”

Keen pleaded, “I’ll stick with my mom the whole time, I promise! Mr. Richards, don’t worry. It’s me insisting you take me—if anything happens, it’s not your fault.”

Foreman finally nodded in agreement.

“All right, I’ll take you to her.”

…

At the party, glasses clinked and laughter filled the air.

Aurora, the reigning queen of high society, was in a league of her own. Despite the rumors swirling around her lately, joining the Williams Group had catapulted her right back into the center of attention—everyone was eager to be seen by her side.

No longer were her admirers limited to hopeful suitors; tonight, a crowd of socialites and businesspeople vied for her attention. Aurora was busier than ever, and even Skyler and his son found themselves surrounded by an eager throng.

Israel, usually short-tempered and abrasive, was suddenly the picture of charm and sophistication in front of Stella.

Stella herself rarely attended these kinds of events; she never cared much for large gatherings. Aurora had already finished cutting the cake, and as tonight’s true star, Aurora’s presence overshadowed everyone else’s. Stella knew no one would notice if she slipped away.

Her thoughts drifted to Keen. She turned to Joshua and said, “Let’s go check on Keen.”

“Sure,” Joshua replied.

Simone paused for a second. “You’re right. That was thoughtless of me.”

She turned her gaze to Joshua. Only when she looked at him did her eyes regain a trace of warmth, her voice unconsciously softening.

“Joshua, could we talk? Just for a moment?”

Joshua refused without hesitation. “Sorry. I have to look after Star—I don’t have time for a chat.”

“Just a few minutes,” Simone insisted.

Joshua said, “A few minutes is all it takes for someone to get kidnapped, isn’t it?”

As Stella and Joshua walked away, Simone’s eyes burned with a mix of jealousy and bitterness.

Yes, it was just a few minutes—and that was all it took for her to be taken.