The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 556

Lind paused for a few seconds, then looked up with a smile. “Ms. Cameron, you really have a knack for persuasion.”

Stella met his gaze. “So, Mr. Moore, do we have a deal?”

His smile broadened. “It’s a pleasure working with someone so clever. Honestly, with how considerate you’re being… I’m starting to feel bad about having to kill you.”

Stella smiled faintly. “I have my own reasons. Keen is my son, after all. I want to live too. Helping you, Mr. Moore, is really helping myself.”

Her candor pleased Lind. “People like you are rare, Ms. Cameron. I’d hate to see you go. Tell you what— even if Haynes doesn’t choose you, as long as you help me get away, I’ll let you live. How does that sound?”

Stella nodded. “Then, could you let Keen go first?”

Lind agreed without hesitation. “No problem.”

He gave a quick order to one of his men and accompanied Stella to the room where Keen and Rachel were being held.

The moment the door opened, Keen rushed over. “Mom!”

Stella hugged him tightly. “In a moment, this gentleman will let you go. I’ll call your father—he’ll come pick you up.”

Keen hesitated. “But what about you and Rachel?”

Before Stella could answer, Rachel spoke up first. “Keen, you go on ahead. Ms. Cameron and I will be fine.”

But Keen clung desperately to Stella’s hand. “No, Mom. If you stay, I’m staying too!”

For a moment, something stirred inside Stella’s heart, something she thought had long since gone cold. Keen was her son—her flesh and blood. No matter how disappointed she was in him, a mother simply can’t turn her back on her child’s safety.

She stroked his head. “You have to leave first, sweetheart. That’s the only way I’ll be safe, too. If I know you’re in danger, I’ll be too worried to focus on anything else.”

Keen looked up at her, eyes shining with tears, his face full of trust and dependence.