The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Stella rubbed her wrist, wincing at the ring of bruises. At least nothing was broken.

"That man is dangerous," she said, watching Sellers' retreating figure. "He's not like Sherman. He's not someone you can deal with so easily."

Sellers was nothing like Sherman. He held all the real power-connections, resources, influence that Sherman couldn't even dream of.

Abby felt it too; this man was a whole different level from Jasper or Sherman. Even now, just remembering the way Sellers had looked at her sent a chill down her spine.

She hesitated, voice barely above a whisper. "Should we tell Mr. Burton about this?"noveldrama

Stella shook her head. "Neville told me once-Mr. Burton may be respected in the family, but he's already handed over control. The power isn't his anymore. Sellers runs the Burton Group now. Even Mr. Burton might not be able to stop him."

She paused, her gaze distant. "Besides, Mr. Burton's already done enough for me. Should I really ask him to go up against his own son?"

Abby fell silent.

Stella glanced over, offering a reassuring smile. “Don't worry. Sellers won't dare touch me as long as Mr. Burton's on my side. If I didn't know him, who knows what would've happened tonight."

Abby let out a long breath. "How is it that, in the entire Burton family, Mr. Burton's the only good one?"

Just then, Foreman spoke up. "Star, you're safe here. This is Neo-Vespera- Sellers can't get away with anything on my watch."

He looked at Stella, determined. "As long as I'm here, I won't let anyone hurt you." Stella turned to him, a glimmer of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Foreman." Foreman clenched his fists behind his back, forcing down the surge of emotion. "Even just for Keen and Haynie's sake, I can't let you get pushed around. By the way, Star, what brought you to this auction?"

Stella replied, "There's a painting I want."

Foreman's eyes flickered with surprise, but he smiled. “That's funny-there's one I've got my eye on, too."

As they chatted, Neville walked over.

"I heard some commotion over here. Is everything alright?"

Seeing Neville approach, Foreman took it as his cue to leave. "Your friend's here, Star, so I'll get going."

Stella nodded gently.

Instead of returning to the auction hall, Foreman slipped out to the garden and made a call.

Someone picked up almost immediately. The voice on the other end was rough and gravelly.

"Not often you call me. What do you need?"

Foreman's eyes glinted coldly in the dim light.

"I want you to mess with Sellers' car. Make

some ook like an accident,

something no one would

Make sure he doesn't we net

"Sellers?" The voice on the other end sounded almost amused. “The Burton Group's golden boy... Afe you you want to go after him?"

Foreman's tone was nothing like his usual self-frigid, merciless. "He nearly broke her hand. He almost ruined her for good."

There would happ

pause, then a sigh. "It

a waste if anything

sure. Alright. I know

to her hand net

to do."

Foreman was about to hang up when the voice spoke again.

"I don't get it. All because of some kindness she showed you as a kid, you'd go

this far-even against someone like Sellers?"

Foreman's answer was soft, almost gentle. "Yes. But the more I've come to know her, the more I see-she's worth it."