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?"

but she fought to keep them from falling. Tears were useless-her mother had taught her that. She

amused. "I thought you were tougher than this. But look at you without

and met his gaze. "You say I rely on men, but what about you? Isn't your whole life propped up by your family's power? If you can't stand on your own, what makes you any better than

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

warm smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, and I almost forgot—I

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 the

just call it a bit of insurance for Aurora getting rid of a potential threat." He paused, then smiled again, almost kindly. "Besides,

and Aurora despise them

in her chest. She had a sinking feeling that she wouldn't get out of this

...

Solmaris, the Williams estate.

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