chapter1152

After the whole Israel affair was finally settled, Stella felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The tension that had gripped her for days finally eased, and for the first time in a while, she let herself relax.

To Stella, defeating Israel wasn't just about snatching power and profit-it was about teaching him a lesson he'd never forget, making sure he'd think twice before barging into her life with his empty provocations ever again.

As their car sped down the road, Stella glanced over at Joshua beside her.

"Joshua, thank you for everything this time. If you hadn't stepped in, there's no way I could've snagged his company at such a bargain."

Joshua smiled softly. "I might've offered a few ideas, but when it came down to it, you made all the tough calls. Some people, no matter how much you help, just can't get their act together. But Star, you're still new to all this-every experience will help you further down the line."

Stella laughed, turning back to him. "You don't seem that much older than me, but you talk like you've seen it all."

Joshua shrugged. "Maybe I've just worked more, seen a bit more life than most."

Stella wanted to point out that he rarely spoke about himself, but the words stuck in her throat. It felt intrusive to pry into things he clearly didn't want to share. Joshua suddenly broke the silence. "Did Haynes and Foreman leave already?" "Foreman's gone," Stella replied. "Haynes will head back in a couple of days." Both Foreman and Haynes had stayed in town longer than expected, held up by the business summit hosted by Solmaris-and, unexpectedly, by the trouble that befell both Foreman and Stella.

"Is Keen leaving with them?" Joshua asked.

Stella nodded lightly. "Yeah, he's got to get back to his classes. When he's on break, I'll have him come stay with me for a while."

Joshua hummed in acknowledgment, falling quiet again.

The city slipped away behind them as the car rolled out toward the countryside: The streets emptied, the houses grew sparse and

eventually there was nothing thet

open fields and the long, quiet road ahead.

s

Even after years living in Solmaris, Stella had never ventured out this far. She glanced at Joshua, who seemed completely at ease, offering no explanation. She let it go, choosing to trust him.

After another half hour, a riot of color appeared on the horizon. Soon, the air was thick with the fragrance of wildflowers, unlike any she'd seen in the perfectly manicured gardens of Williams Manor. These blooms weren't delicate or rare, but they exploded with life, a breathtaking tapestry that left her speechless. s

The car slowed to a stop.

Stella stepped out, surrounded by a sea of blossoms. For once, a genuine smile broke across her face. "This place is incredible, Joshua. How did you ever find it?"

He looked out at the flowers, his expression softening. "I lived in Solmaris for a few years. Just stumbled on it by accident, really."

The autumn air was crisp, the sun gentle as the season changed. Stella found a clean patch of grass and, without a second thought, stretched out on her back.

Her uncharacteristic casualness caught Joshua off guard.

Sensing his surprise, Stella grinned up at him. "Do I look ridiculous?" Official source is FindN()vel.net

Joshua sat down beside her, nodding honestly. "You've always been so... graceful."

Stella laughed. "That's only because you've never seen me falling apart-or losing my mind when Rachel pushes me too far."

Joshua fell strangely silent.

Lying in the grass, Stella breathed in the scent of earth and leaves. Her voice grey soft. "You're right, you know Ever since I married Haynes, ve tried so hard to never embarrass him. Always keeping up

appearances, always playing the part." s