The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

The Williams estate was sprawling-far more than just a single mansion. In fact, there were several buildings dotted across the grounds, and it wasn't uncommon for the family's security team to live there as well.

So when Joshua moved into the Williams estate, it didn't feel out of place at all.

Stella thought for a moment. "Is Joshua okay with this?"

Abby replied, "I asked him. He didn't mind-said it makes no difference to him where he stays."

Stella didn't insist any further. "As long as he's willing. There are more than enough rooms here, and if I want to bring someone in, it's never a problem."

"Good." Abby finally looked relieved. "Star, while I'm away, if anything comes up, you can always call me. Please, don't keep things from me."

Stella's voice was warm. "I know."

With that, Abby left.

Once Abby was gone, Stella gently hugged Nocturne Stella. She would never let anyone take away what belonged to her again.

...

The next morning, Stella arrived on time at the place she'd agreed to meet Foreman.

There was an art exhibition currently showing in Solmaris, and Foreman seemed genuinely interested. He'd invited Stella to see it with him.

Though she could no longer play violin, one of her hands still had enough strength to draw. Painting was something she hadn't done in a long time, and now, with more free time, she could finally revisit that old passion.

When Stella arrived, Foreman was already waiting outside the gallery.

The moment he saw her, his eyes lit up and a gentle smile tugged at his lips. "Star, you made it."

Stella was about to reply when the door of the car beside her swung open. A tall, lean figure stepped out, his features striking and sharply defined, like the sky after a summer rain-clear and unclouded.

Foreman's smile froze instantly.

Joshua had already walked over, greeting him with a warm, easy smile that seemed to radiate sunlight. "Good morning, Mr. Richards."

Stella explained, "Foreman, Joshua's here for our protection. The Lerman family has some influence in Solmaris, and I'm worried they might try something reckless."

Joshua glanced at Foreman, a faint, knowing smile playing at his lips "Don't worry, Mr. Richards. As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to Star What happened last time will never happen again."

The words hit Foreman right where it hurt most. His composure nearly cracked.

He understood exactly what Joshua

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was implying. If he'd done a better job protecting Stella, her hand wouldn't have been ruined, Nocturne Stella wouldn't have been destroyed-and, perhaps, if he hadn't been selfish, Leonard wouldn't have found his opportunity. Because of him, Stella would never play the

violin again.

Foreman lowered his gaze for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. "... You always think ahead, Star."

This Joshua had earned Stella's trust—a dangerous thing. But for now, Foreman had other priorities.

The three walked into the gallery together.

Although Joshua was technically Stella's bodyguard, he strolled

alongside her, occasionally chatting and laughing with her. They looked nothing like employer and

employee-more like old friends reunited after years apart

Foreman walked on Stella's other side, but it almost felt as if he didn't belong.

When Stella heard Joshua casually discussing the paintings, she couldn't hide her surprise. "Joshua, you know about art?"

Joshua smiled. "A little, not much. I know enough to make conversation, but I can't discuss the finer points."

Stella laughed at his candor. "You're too modest."noveldrama

Truthfully, Stella didn't know much about Joshua's past. He rarely spoke about himself; she didn't even know what he'd done before coming here.