The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1006

"And the way he just took Stella's side-it's hard not to read into that."

Aurora and Leonard had already gone over it. The odds that Simone's attempt to pose as Joshua's lost love had actually worked were slim.

If it had, there's no way Joshua would've shut Leonard down so ruthlessly.

Aurora didn't doubt Leonard's claim that Joshua had tried to kill him. With Leonard's temperament, he'd never say something like that unless he was absolutely sure.

Simone interjected, "Joshua siding with Stella is just about earning her trust, nothing more. For all we know, he's after the original shares she's holding. The fact that Stella brought him back to the Williams estate with her says everything about how much she trusts him. Otherwise, why would the head of the Gardner family be hanging around Stella?"

She paused, then gave a sharp, derisive laugh. "Or what, you think he actually likes her? Stella's secondhand goods-divorced, with a kid. Do you really think that's possible?"

Leonard only scoffed. "Don't underestimate Stella. For a woman who's been through a divorce, she's got two men-Neville Connolly and Foreman- completely devoted to her. Even before anyone knew who she really was, she managed to marry Haynes. That should tell you just how skilled she is."

He fixed Simone with a cold, hard look. "Simone, stay away from Joshua. That man's got hidden motives, and you're not equipped to deal with him."

But Simone couldn't hear a word he said. If anything, Leonard's warning only convinced her that he wanted to steal Joshua away from her, all to clear the path for Aurora.

go up against Leonard directly. She knew his personality—he didn't tolerate defiance from anyone. And right now, she didn't have the clout

Simone muttered, "Got it," then turned and

party was over,

Stella out the next day, so Stella

estate was sprawling, but not crowded, since extended family

toward their

this is for you," Abby

hand out extravagant business contracts as gifts, Abby could only offer something simple. She'd made Stella a hand-woven crystal

years of friendship, Abby knew

her eyes lighting up with delight.

quietly carrying the bags of gifts everyone

back at Stella. "Star, Joshua's got

given Stella a

to him. "What

smiled mysteriously. "You'll see. It's

Stella's

Joshua a look, but his elegant, pale face betrayed