The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

In the past, most people who approached Aurora for conversation were the elegant wives and daughters of high society, along with a fair number of men drawn by her beauty. Few of them were true business elites.

But this time, nearly everyone seeking out Stella was a mover and shaker in the business world.

Whether they wanted to collaborate with Stella or simply test her mettle, their numbers far exceeded those who had shown interest in Aurora.

To these men, no matter how flawlessly the Williams family presented Aurora, she was still perceived as a woman whose beauty was her only currency.

A girl of Aurora's pedigree wasn't someone you could carelessly flirt with. Getting involved with her was a risky game-one wrong step and scandal would follow. Especially with the kind of ambitious suitors who constantly hovered around her, men knew to keep their distance.

So, paradoxically, many steered clear of Aurora altogether.

Simone's gaze lingered on the crowd gathering around Stella, her expression darkening. When she spotted Joshua standing behind Stella, her breath caught in her throat.

Why was Joshua still glued to Stella's side?

Simone watched Stella, who was holding court in the midst of the crowd, chatting and laughing with ease. Simone sneered and leaned toward Aurora. "You joined Williams Corporation, and now Stella wants in too. Isn't she doing this just to slap you in the face?"

Aurora's face betrayed no hint of jealousy or resentment. She remained as poised

as ever.noveldrama

"Father and my brother both said that since Stella can't play the violin anymore, she needs something to occupy her time. That's why she's joining Williams Corporation. It's just a cushy position-nothing the family can't arrange."

Simone gave Aurora a helpless look. "Aurora, Stella joining Williams Corporation is obviously a provocation."

Before Simone could say more, a tall, imposing figure strode toward them.

Simone's eyes lit up. "Leonard!"

Leonard gave a small nod. "Why are you two out here instead of in the main hall?"

Simone huffed, her irritation clear. "It's all because of Stella."

Leonard's injuries had mostly healed, but the bullet wound, dangerously close to his heart, still left his face with a faint, sickly pallor.

Yet he hadn't lost an ounce of his commanding presence.

"What is it? Did she bully Aurora again?" Leonard asked, his voice steely.

Before Simone could answer, Aurora cut in, "Leonard, don't listen to Simone. Stella hasn't done anything to me."

Simone insisted, "Even if you ignore everything else, the fact that she's joining Williams

Corporation-doesn't that seem deliberate to you?"

Leonard's brows drew together. "Stella is joining Williams Corporation?"

“Exactly. Mr. Williams just announced it in person. And tonight's party is packed with shareholders and board members."

Simone nodded toward Stella. "Look, she's already mingling with the company's top brass."

Following Simone's gaze, Leonard spotted Stella at the center of a bustling group, smiling and

conversing with the shareholders as

if she'd been born to it-utterly calm, not a trace of timidity.

Leonard's eyes turned icy. "It seems she still hasn't learned her lesson."

Simone, meanwhile, couldn't look away from Joshua. Watching the parade of socialites trying to catch his attention, her own eyes grew cold and sharp, almost murderous.

She barely registered Leonard's words.

"What did you just say, Leonard?"

"Nothing," he replied, a cold smile flickering at his lips. "Excuse me I'm going to say hello."

With that, he strode off toward Stella.

...

Coleman and Israel had both expected Stella to be nervous and out of her depth at such a grand event.

They never imagined she'd handle herself with as much poise and confidence as Aurora-if not more.