The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Everyone present had heard rumors about the Lerman family's way of doing things.

Simone was known for her ruthlessness, but she lived by a code: don't cross me, and I won't cross you. Fiercely loyal to those she cared about, she valued friendship above all.

She and Aurora had become best friends after Aurora once stepped in to defend her. Simone never forgot that act of kindness.

Whenever Aurora ran into trouble, Simone would handle it if she could. If she couldn't, she'd turn to her older brother, Leonard, for help.

Leonard and Simone had relied on each other since childhood. Leonard adored his little sister and always looked out for her.

Leonard's infatuation with Aurora owed much to Simone. In a way, Simone was Aurora's sharp blade-swift, decisive, cutting through obstacles-something everyone in the room understood without needing to say it.

Simone knew this, too. But she didn't mind. People always have something to gain from each other; that's just how relationships work.

She was Aurora's blade, and Aurora was her brain.

Thanks to Aurora's guidance, Simone had quickly found her footing within the Lerman family. She was no longer the pitiful girl hiding in Leonard's shadow, surviving at the mercy of others.

Leonard had his own affairs to manage; he couldn't watch over her every second. There were times when he slipped up. The Lerman family was ruthless, a nest of vipers, and Simone had nearly lost everything to their schemes before.

were over. Now, Simone

people together. Real bonds were built on the value you brought to

was how

as clever as Aurora, but she wasn't stupid either. Aurora would never befriend

play her part when Aurora

she believed it was best to let Stella take the fall for what had happened, Aurora was still hesitating-caught up in the bonds of

Simone's words, Skyler and Jonathan visibly relaxed. They didn't want to see

He thought Simone was just helping

room, and Sellers had already begun

Skyler turned

Joshua, and

family

Heeds a moment alone,

things. Would you mind waiting

Joshua, and Sellers took the

behind them, Skyler said, "Star, everything is