The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 2084

Joshua met their gazes. "You two ladies can understand my position, right?"

"I get it," Aurora replied with a soft smile. "You don't need to put yourself in a difficult spot, Joshua."

Checking his watch, Joshua turned his attention back to Aurora. "I came to see you today because I wanted to hear that melody again. Whenever you have some free time, just let me know. But if you're too busy, that's fine too. It's getting late. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Aurora didn't push him to stay. She simply smiled. "All right. Let me walk you out."

"There's no need," Joshua declined smoothly. "You have a family and a child. We wouldn't want anyone getting the wrong idea and starting unnecessary rumors."

Since he put it that way, Aurora had to stop in her tracks.

"I haven't played the violin in years," she murmured. "I'm sure I'm a bit rusty. I'll carve out some time to practice soon. Once I'm ready, I'll call you."

Joshua gave a curt nod. "Sounds good. If you ever need my help with anything, just ask."

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away without looking back.

The moment he was out of sight, the sweet smile vanished from Queenie Burton's face.

"What the hell is his problem?" she grumbled in irritation. "He went out of his way to help Stella Cameron back then. He took down Leonard Lerman, he crippled Sellers Burton, and he even targeted the Williams family. But now, when you ask for a favor, he's full of excuses?"

She was right. If Joshua had truly wanted to destroy Stella, a powerless woman wouldn't have stood a chance. The Stella of the past was even more pathetic than Zara Lowell was now.

"So what?" Queenie snapped, frustration bleeding into her voice. "Are we supposed to start from scratch and slowly earn his trust? What if his memory comes back halfway through? Won't that screw us over?"

Aurora remained completely unfazed. "Patience pays off. Dealing with Joshua Gardner is like dancing with the devil. We have to tread carefully. The risks are high, but so is the payout. If we win this gamble and secure his trust, we'll walk away with far more power than Stella ever had."

She let out a soft, mocking laugh as a thought crossed her mind.