The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 491

Of course. Who in their right mind would risk everything for someone just because they’d heard them play a single song?

The more Rachel got to know Joshua Gardner, the more she realized something was very wrong with him.

To put it in modern terms, he was the very definition of a possessive, dangerous obsessive.

One moment, he’d be smiling gently, the picture of charm.

The next, he’d turn ice-cold and ruthless, disposing of anyone who stood in his way.

He could switch from angel to monster faster than flipping a page.

And if there was one thing Joshua Gardner hated above all, it was being lied to.

If he ever discovered Rachel wasn’t telling the truth, her life would become a living hell.

He might have the face of an angel, but whenever she looked at him, all Rachel could feel was fear—never anything close to affection.

No wonder he seemed so starved for love. Who could ever love a man like that?

Once Rachel uncovered his true nature, she couldn’t get out of the country fast enough.

Haynes, for all his flaws, was at least a normal man. He was married now, even had a child—but at least he was sane.

So, whether it was for the sake of her own future, or in hopes that Haynes might protect her if Joshua Gardner ever found out the truth, Rachel was determined to marry Haynes. She had to.

…

The Williams family estate.

Jonathan held an embossed invitation and knocked on the door to the study.

Inside, Skyler was carefully wiping dust from the glass of an old photo album.

Jonathan glanced at the photograph on display.

It was his mother, Nora.

“Do you need something?” Skyler didn’t even look up, lost in bittersweet memories, his face softened by nostalgia.

Jonathan pulled his gaze away and spoke in an even tone. “Mr. Burton sent an invitation. He’s hosting a birthday celebration at the end of the month.”

Skyler’s brow twitched ever so slightly. “Mr. Burton… I haven’t heard from him in years. He and my father were old friends from the war. We can’t exactly refuse his invitation.”