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.

those days were over. Now, Simone had carved out a place for herself

Real bonds were

was how Simone saw the

clever as Aurora, but she wasn't stupid

how to play her part when

Stella take the fall for what had happened, Aurora was still hesitating-caught up in

Skyler and Jonathan visibly relaxed. They didn't

thought Simone was just helping Aurora cover her

into the hospital room, and Sellers had already begun assembling a

Skyler turned

and Sellers.

family

Heeds a moment alone,

things. Would you

and Sellers took the hint and quietly

closed behind them, Skyler said, "Star, everything is ready for