Queenie didn''t look the least bit offended; instead, a sly smile curled on her lips.


    "My, Ms. Cameron, you and your bodyguard seem to have quite the close


    rtionship. Not only does he get to weigh in on family matters, he even feels free to butt into conversations with others."


    Joshua caught her meaning instantly.


    His tone was calm, almost indifferent. "Funny. You were awfully blunt a moment ago, grilling someone about their divorce as if you pride yourself on being straightforward. But when ites to mocking others, suddenly you get all passive-aggressive, as if everyone''s too dense to catch on."


    He met her gaze, voice sharpening. "Whatever''s between us is none of your business, Ms. Burton. You''d do well to mind your own affairs. Before you start judging others, maybe ask yourself if you''re even qualified."


    Queenie''s smile froze on her face.


    She''d heard from Aurora that Joshua could be difficult, but she hadn''t expected him to be so direct-more so than herself, even. The sting of his words was impossible to ignore. If he weren''t the head of the Gardner family, she would never have tolerated his insolence this long.


    But so what if he was? She wasn''t afraid of him.


    The yful grin faded from Queenie''s lips, reced by a steely coldness in her eyes.


    "Listen, Mr. Bodyguard, has no one ever taught you that the most basic manners are to keep your mouth shut when others are speaking?"


    Joshua simply replied, "I reserve my manners for those who deserve them. Life''s hard enough—I see no reason to be polite to people who are obnoxious, ssless, and y the victim."


    He locked eyes with her, his gaze pitch ck and unwavering.


    “Besides, I''m Star''s bodyguard. My job is to ensure her safety and keep away anyone who might wish her harm. Ms. Burton, the things you said to her just now?


    I didn''t like them one bit. As far as I''m concerned, you''re now on my watchlist of potential threats to Star. Next time you see us, I suggest you steer clear. Otherwise, I won''t mind teaching Mr. Burton''s granddaughter some manners myself."


    By the time he finished, Queenie''s face had gone pale with fury. She bit down her anger, spun on her heel, and made to leave.


    But Ste called after her, "Ms. Burton, when I said your chances weren''t good, it wasn''t because I want to get back together with Haynes It''s because the woman Haynes has always


    loved-Rachel-is pregnant."  s


    With that, Ste turned away, ignoring Queeniepletely. She looked to Joshua


    and said, "Let''s go."


    "Of course," he answered.


    Queenie watched them walk away, a deep frown creasing her brow.


    Pregnant? Rachel is pregnant?


    Hadn''t Rachel already been exposed for who she really was? Haynes should despise her by now. So how could she be pregnant?


    Meanwhile, in the hospital room, Aurora finally began to stir.


    Coleman stepped forward. "Aurora, you''re awake. How are you feeling?"


    She''d been in a daze ever since she was rescued, but now she seemed to being back to herself. ncing around, she asked, "Where''s Queenie? Is she okay?"


    "She''s fine," Coleman assured her. "You should worry more about yourself."


    For once, the chill in his eyes softened.


    "Aurora, I''ve already contacted Dr. Sellers. He''s going to call Mr. Burton personally and have hime to treat your hand. Don''t worry-your hand will recoverpletely. It won''t affect your violin ying or racing."  s


    Just as he finished speaking, there was a knock at the door. Sellers entered, bandaged but


    determined the moment he heard Aurora was safe, he''d rushed to the hospital to check on her.  s


    Israel, having learned Aurora was awake, came in right behind him.<fn588c> This text is hosted at fι?dnοvel</fn588c>