The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 1135

No one would be foolish enough to broadcast something like this; if anything, they’d carry it out discreetly, with no one the wiser.

Suddenly, Coleman spoke up. “It would be best to get to the bottom of this before we do anything rash. What if Stella didn’t actually borrow the money from Haynes or Neville? If their cash flow is still strong and we blindly make a move, we might just be walking into a trap.”

Coleman’s tone grew more serious. “Haynes and Neville aren’t people you want to underestimate. If we give them the slightest opening, we could end up paying a heavy price. And most importantly, we risk souring our relationship with Stella for good.”

Israel shot Coleman a glance. “Since when did you get so cautious, Coleman? If Stella didn’t get the money from Haynes, then where else could she possibly have gotten that much cash?”

Coleman frowned. “Didn’t Stella meet with an investor last time? It’s possible she landed some new investment.”

Israel laughed, openly dismissive. “I met that so-called investor—Jake, or whatever he called himself. No background, nothing on file; the guy’s a ghost. Do you know the funniest part? He claimed he was going to invest half a billion dollars in Stella. Would you believe a complete stranger if they told you they’d wire you half a billion?”

Israel waved a hand, as if brushing away the very thought. “He’s a con artist, plain and simple. Even Stella didn’t buy his story—surely you’re not falling for it, are you?”

Coleman replied, “Maybe that guy’s a fraud, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other investors out there…”

Israel cut him off. “Coleman, don’t tell me you’re so rattled by Stella that you’ve started seeing her as some kind of mastermind. Even if someone did want to invest, who could come up with that kind of money on such short notice? There are only a handful of families in the country who could pull that off in three days, and Stella doesn’t have anywhere near that kind of influence.”

As they spoke, Stella and Shawn’s father finished signing the paperwork and exchanged contracts. The sound of camera flashes lit up the room, followed by a wave of applause.

Skyler and his father both looked visibly unsettled.

Without asking for their help, Stella had pulled together the funds and managed to buy twenty percent of the Pearce Group’s shares. In just a matter of days, she had accomplished something extraordinary.

“Leonard? What’s going on? I wasn’t expecting to hear from you.”

Leonard’s gravelly voice came through the line. “So you actually let Stella sign the deal with the Pearce Group? Pathetic.”

Israel’s tone turned icy. “If you called just to insult me, I’ll hang up right now.”

“Wait.” Leonard stopped him. “I actually called because I need your help with something.”

As if worried Israel would refuse, Leonard added, “It’s about Stella.”