The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 980

Israel's expression darkened, and he was just about to step forward when Coleman reached out and stopped him.

"They're trying to provoke you," Coleman murmured quietly. "Tonight's gala is important-don't act on impulse and make a scene."

Israel took a long, steadying breath before regaining his composure.

Coleman went on, "Why don't you go somewhere else for now? I'll handle things here."

The ballroom was already filled with guests. If a scandal broke out tonight, they'd become the laughingstock of everyone present.

The Williams family could hardly afford more gossip at this point.

Israel understood that, even if hearing it stung. He muttered, "I'll go check on Aurora."

If he was already being treated this way, he could only imagine how much worse things must be for Aurora.

Coleman nodded in understanding.

Before leaving, Israel shot a cold look back and said through gritted teeth, "This is all Stella's fault. If she hadn't run off years ago, humiliating the family, none of this would be happening."

Ever since the secret about Aurora's parentage had gotten out, both Israel and Coleman had been subjected to endless mockery and snide remarks.

such disgrace in

miserable

reasons, she had exposed Aurora as a child born out of wedlock, dragging her down from her pedestal and tarnishing the O'Brien family's reputation, as well as jeopardizing the company's

their father and older brother still allowed someone so destructive to

...

and no one dared approach to make

event. While people might snicker at Israel and Coleman, no

rumors about

less than

but

others could only

distanced themselves because of what had

and Simone stepped into the grand hall, all

as the

prominent men from influential families-and her beauty was nothing short

features of both her

had heard of Aurora, yet few had ever seen

of the

but feel

of heiress could

Spire