The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 997

Israel scoffed inwardly. What a load of nonsense-talk is cheap, after all.

Yet Aurora, Simone, and Leonard all knew Joshua wasn't just blowing smoke. Other families might balk at coughing up that kind of money, but the Gardners? For them, it was pocket change. The Gardners were, after all, the wealthiest family in the world.

Aurora spoke up, trying to bring the conversation back on track. "Guys, let's not get sidetracked. We're supposed to be discussing Leonard and Star right now."

If they actually took Joshua up on that bet, her brothers wouldn't stand a chance. That thought made a shadow of doubt flicker in Aurora's eyes. She shot Leonard a sidelong glance; he glanced back. The look they exchanged was brief but knowing, a silent agreement passing between them.

Aurora's mind wandered back to a question that had been bothering her for a while: why did Joshua keep so close to Stella? Simone had already replaced Stella as his so-called soulmate, so what reason did he have to stick around? No matter how she turned it over in her mind, Aurora couldn't make sense of it.

She certainly didn't believe Joshua was interested in Stella. It wasn't just the fact that Stella was divorced-she also had a child. A man like Joshua could have any woman he wanted; why would he choose Stella? No, there had to be another reason for his attention. And now, it seemed that reason was finally clear.

Williams family business. That would explain

the same conclusion. Her eyes lit up, the gloom from before vanishing in an instant. As long as Joshua's interest in Stella wasn't romantic, Simone could accept any other motive. If Joshua wanted to buy into

shares to Aurora. Without Joshua's help, the old guard at the Williams Group would never let Aurora take charge. With them in the way, Aurora's dream of running the company solo was next

pleased Simone became, already daydreaming about a future where

Israel and Coleman, meanwhile,

But even they realized that gambling over it was far to childish-something people would laugh about for years Better to use the situation with Leonard to pressure Stella into making concessions. If they wanted to buy her out, they'd have to offer her something in return. After all, no

others talked, her face unreadable, but inside, her thoughts whirled. Was Joshua actually holding evidence, or was

right away-clearly, he was unsettled. Stella found it odd. Could a few words from

the truth. Star and Leonard do have