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.

had never experienced such disgrace in

all of it—every miserable bit

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

understand why their father and older brother still allowed someone

...

the other hand, was accompanied by Simone, and no

people might snicker at Israel and Coleman, no one had the nerve to

about

her less

eyes, but she was

of heiress others could only envy

hadn't distanced themselves because

Simone stepped into the grand hall, all eyes turned

the city's

Aurora was admired by prominent men from

inherited the best features of both her father, Skyler, and her

had heard of Aurora,

of the

but feel

heiress could

Spire