chapter1780

Having investigated Leonard in detail because he had once hurt Stella, Haynes knew the man well.

"Over the years, Leonard has been systematically separating his shares and businesses," Haynes explained. "Including the shares he gave to Simone Lerman and Aurora Williams, his stake in the Lerman family is forty-eight percent. As the head of the family, the shares he controls are undoubtedly the most core, important, and legitimate ones. He's confident that even if the remaining shares were consolidated, they could never threaten his position. That's because those dispersed shares operate in a gray area and can't be brought out into the open."

Foreman clenched his fists. "Haynie, both Leonard and Joshua have hurt Star. Don't you want to see them tear each other apart? Maybe if Joshua dies, Star will get back together with you for Keen's sake."

After a brief silence, Haynes replied, "Foreman, what Star needs most right now isn't a relationship. She's in a difficult position. Only after she gets through this will she

have time to consider other things."

However, Foreman refused to listen.

"Fine. Since none of you are willing to be the bad guy, then I'll do it!"

With that, he stopped arguing with Haynes and left, his expression unreadable.

In the study, Stella looked at Joshua, whose expression was clearly off. "Joshua,

what is it? Did something happen?" she asked softly.

Joshua's eyes glinted with a strange light as he stared intently at her.

"Star, did I cause trouble for you again?"

Stella frowned slightly. "Why would you say that all of a sudden?"

His voice was low and hoarse. "I'm sorry, Star. I shouldn't have killed Leonard. He

had already found a doctor for you..."

A jolt of unease shot through Stella.

How did Joshua know about that?

Remembering she had seen Foreman at the door just a short while ago, a cold glint flashed in her eyes.

Stella said softly, "Joshua, it's not your fault. My hand is something even Mr. Burton couldn't fix. The doctor he found might not have been able to treat it either."

Joshua's dark eyes became unfocused. "Even the slightest chance would have been worth trying. I'm sorry. I was too impulsive."

Stella instinctively took Joshua's hand, wanting to say something more.

However, his fingertips were ice-cold.

Stella's heart sank.

She hadn't wanted Joshua to know precisely because she was worried he would blame himself.

And yet, he found out anyway.

In that moment, Stella felt an intense disgust for Foreman.

Not long ago, Laurel Quinn had told her that while Joshua appeared normal, he was deeply jaded and world-weary His recklessness his tendency to gamble with his own life, was a manifestation of that profound disillusionment.

Foreman's words had provoked Joshua, triggering his negative emotions.

This was the last thing Stella wanted to see.

She gently hugged Joshua, her voice soft.

"Joshua, let's go back to your place tonight. I've already moved my things over."

Joshua hugged her back. "Okay."

That evening, during dinner, Stella announced the news to everyone.

Neville didn't live at the villa, so it made no difference to him. He glanced around, noticing the strange atmosphere, and guessed that something he didn't know about had

happened during the day. He took a sip of water, leaned back, and

prepared to watch the show.

Antoney had heard the news from Abby during the day, so he just nodded lightly.

"Since things are settled here for Star, I'll be heading back tomorrow too."

Haynes

yet, ne

no surprise at

news he wasn't planning on leaving so he

simply remained Stonet