The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

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.

Just then, Lind broke the moment, "Ms. Cameron, go ahead and call Haynes. I don't want to drag this out too much waiting leaves too much room for trouble." noveldrama

He was right; the longer they waited, the more time Haynes would have to prepare, and that was the last thing Lind needed.

Stella nodded, then dialed Haynes's number right in front of Lind.

Both Rachel and Keen stared at her in shock. Why was this kidnapper treating Stella so well?

After a brief conversation with Haynes, Stella hung up. "He'll be here in ten minutes."

Lind nodded. "Alright, we'll wait."

Seven or eight minutes later, Stella's phone rang. Haynes had arrived.

Lind chuckled. "Since he's here, let's all go

Haether. While you keep chaos." avel

s occupied, I'll slip away in the

Stella had no objections.

Rachel, on the other hand, stared at her in disbelief. "Keep Haynes occupied? Stella, what is he talking about?”

Stella's tone was cool. "Ms. Pearce, this isn't the time for questions. Keen's safety comes first."

She took Keen's hand and started toward the door.

Rachel suddenly blocked her path, refusing to back down. "Stella, do you know this man?" she demanded.

Stella's face turned cold. "Rachel, move."

Rachel stood her ground, pale but stubborn. "Not until you tell me what's going on!"

Stella lost her patience and slapped Rachel hard across the face. "Get out of my

way!"