The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Leonard was nothing short of a legend.

Despite starting out as an illegitimate son with neither power nor influence, he'd managed to seize the head seat of the Lerman family in record time—a feat that bordered on the unbelievable.

Of course, he was known for his ruthlessness.

A rare look of gravity crossed Haynes's usually calm face.

"Star, someone has to take the fall for the scandal about Aurora being an illegitimate child. If we can't find out who leaked the news, you're the one who'll be in danger. I've thought it through. I'll go with you to the Williams estate, and, for now, I'll claim responsibility. You're Keen's mother. If I speak up for you, it'll seem logical and justified."

Stella instinctively shook her head. "No, if Leonard's that dangerous, and you take the blame, all you're doing is putting yourself in harm's way instead."

Haynes's deep eyes softened with a faint smile. "Star, you're worried about me. That means a lot."

Stella opened her mouth to say something, but Haynes quickly grew serious again, cutting her off.

"Star, if we can't find the real culprit, everyone will assume it was you. And Abby could be at risk too. With Leonard's temperament, the fact that she once spoke poorly of Aurora is enough to make her a target, whether she spread the rumor or not. The way this information got out is extremely strange—it spread through outside channels. It'll take time to trace the source."

But time was exactly what they didn't have.

The longer this dragged on, the worse it would get for Stella.

Leonard's suspicion onto himself, giving Stella some breathing room. Leonard would focus all his energy on dealing with Haynes, leaving Stella out of the

As Stella's best friend, anything she said would be seen as coming from Stella herself. Leonard would hold Stella responsible for Abby's

her head again. "No, I can't let

Novaris, Star. Leonard's chances of succeeding here aren't very high. Besides, I've been through worse situations before. I'm not doing this to play the hero or shield you from danger. I just want to buy us some time. If we can find the real culprit

a

go as smoothly

was about to

when Jonathan's assistant arrived.

Mr. Williams sent

no choice but to leave with the assistant, her

***

The Williams estate.

at the door. Aurora called, "Come in," and a tall, striking

book aside and

fell on her delicate, pale face. "How are you feeling, Aurora?

that day, Aurora had

a terrible

She'd

because of