After everything that had happened between her and Sellers, was he really still willing to meet her in person?
If something seems off, there’s always a catch.
Given how cunning Sellers could be, there was a good chance he was laying a trap.
But Stella wasn’t the type to shy away from a confrontation. She’d rather face things head-on than keep glancing over her shoulder, dreading whatever scheme Sellers might be plotting behind her back.
She glanced down at her wrist, where a faint bruise was already blossoming—a souvenir from Sellers’ last outburst. He’d squeezed her so hard, it was a wonder he hadn’t broken her hand.
A cold, steely glint flickered in Stella’s eyes. She hadn’t forgotten that injury, nor had she forgiven it.
With that thought, Stella made up her mind. “Alright. Let’s meet tonight.”
Mr. Burton, oblivious to the animosity between Stella and Sellers, sounded genuinely pleased by her agreement. “Wonderful! I’ll let Sellers know right away—and I’ll have him bring you some ointment for your wrist.”
Stella murmured her thanks and ended the call.
Abby, having overheard the tail end of the conversation, turned to her. “Was that Mr. Burton?”
Stella filled her in on what had just transpired. Abby’s reaction was immediate; her brow furrowed in concern.
“Sellers is up to no good—he’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Star, you can’t trust him. Who knows what he’s plotting this time?”
Abby reached out, her tone gentle. “Star, you don’t need to worry about Mr. Burton. He’s been through a lot in his life—he understands more than he lets on. I know he’s not unreasonable. And the fact that we haven’t gone running to him with complaints is already doing Sellers a huge favor. If Mr. Burton ever realized what Sellers is really like, maybe he’d rethink the whole inheritance thing.”
Stella knew Abby was just venting. Sellers’ position was secure; even Mr. Burton would have a hard time changing that.
“I’d better get ready,” Stella said, turning to go.
“Wait.” Abby stopped her. “Star, I don’t like the idea of you going alone. Let Joshua go with you.”
Stella glanced back. “You seem to trust him a lot lately.”
Abby nodded. “The other day, Candida and I saw Joshua break up a mugging on our way back from lunch. He’s a genuinely good guy—and he can definitely handle himself. Having him as backup wouldn’t hurt.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance