chapter1701

It wasn't clear if the situation over there had been resolved or if Abby had sensed something was wrong, but she had come looking for her.

Stella glanced at Leonard, took a few steps back, and pulled open the door to the private room.

This time, Leonard didn't stop her. He just quietly watched her leave until the door slowly closed, blocking his view.

Leonard looked down at the knife in his shoulder.

She hadn't stabbed him in the heart. Did that mean... she didn't hate him as much anymore? That she didn't want him dead?

Seeing Stella walk out of the room unharmed, Abby visibly relaxed.

"Star, thank goodness you're okay."

Stella's gaze flickered. "Abby, how did you know I was in trouble?

"Star, you really were in trouble?" Abby asked, shocked.

As they walked, Stella explained, "Not exactly. I just ran into Leonard."

Abby's face filled with admiration. Joshua is unreal... He couldn't reach you, so he called me. I told him I was dealing with something and wasn't with you. He told me to go find you and see if you were okay. Oh, right, Star, he's on his way here now." "Abby," Stella said, "whatever you do, don't tell Joshua I saw Leonard.

Abby only paused for a second before she understood.

First, Joshua had gone after The Burton Group, then he'd killed Prince Wright, and just a few days ago, he'd shot Leonard in public. Even though Joshua was the head of the Gardner family and no one could touch him for the time being, it was still having a negative impact on his reputation.

If Joshua found out Leonard had shown up in front of Stella again, his temper would drive him to kill the man for good.

Joshua couldn't have another death on his hands.

Abby nodded. "I understand."

"Tell Wilbur and Gideon later...

actually, never mind, you can't keep

a secret, Stella said. "It's better if

you don't run into Joshua for Fake Gideon and go deal with

Dow that

rich kid situation."

to'

Although Abby often reported back to Joshua, she knew her priorities when it came to important matters, Especially

en Stella gave her

instructions, she would never breathe a word to anyone.

After agreeing, Abby asked curiously, "Star, why did Leonard come looking for you again? Did he think we kidnapped Aurora and was trying to force you to hand her over?"

"If only it were that simple..." Stella said. "It's a long story. I'll tell you when I have time."

She checked the time of Joshua's call, estimating he would arrive in about ten more minutes.

The thought of having to deal with Joshua made her feel exhausted and her head ache.

She couldn't help but wonder: How on earth did Aurora manage to juggle so many men without everything falling apart?

Dealing with just one Joshua took all her energy. She couldn't handle another.

"Even if I don't say anything," Abby said, "if Joshua senses something is wrong, he might investigate it himself."

Stella glanced back at the private room behind them. "Since Leonard dared to show his face, he must have made arrangements. No matter what, this is still Solmaris. Joshua's influence is limited here."

The two chatted for a little longer before Abby left to avoid running into Joshua.

Stella waited for Joshua at the entrance of the club.

About ten minutes later, he arrived.