The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

A sly, almost mocking smile played at the corners of Leonard Lerman's mouth.

"This violin may just be a relic, but its former owner was, in a roundabout way, responsible for Aurora Williams losing her mother. Smashing it to pieces-that might offer a little comfort to Aurora's mother, wherever she is now."

Leonard moved with the practiced confidence of someone who'd trained his whole life; his strength was undeniable.

Stella Cameron could only watch in horror as the violin-her beloved Nocturne Stella-splintered bit by bit right in front of her eyes.

"Let me go! Let me go, you bastards!" she shouted, fighting to break free, but the bodyguards at her side held her fast, their grips unyielding.

The violin snapped clean in two before her, jagged wood chips scattering across the floor. Stella stared at Leonard, her gaze darkening with hatred.

Leonard had seen that look countless times before; it didn't faze him in the slightest. In fact, his grin only widened, sparkling with the childish delight of someone who'd just found a new favorite toy.

"I pointed a gun at your head, and you didn't even flinch. But a violin? That's what finally gets to you? Is it really worth more to you than your own life?"

falling. Tears were useless-her mother

you were tougher than this. But look at

rely on men, but what about you? Isn't your whole life propped up by your family's

head with mock affection as if she were a pet. "You know, you almost make a good point. Unfortunately for you, my backers

smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, and I almost forgot—I love seeing you like this. Helpless, wounded, and utterly

and grief. Her voice came out as a strangled whisper, forced through clenched teeth. "So just because you think I tarnished Aurora's reputation, you decided to ruín me? Did it ever occupto you that I might not even be

insurance for Aurora getting rid of a potential threat." He paused, then smiled again, almost kindly. "Besides, I never liked you

and Aurora despise them was bound to end up on

candle flame, hope and fear warring in her chest. She had a sinking

...

Solmaris, the Williams estate.

arm from when she shielded Simone from the acid attack. Leonard had pulled every string to assemble the best medical team for her