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.

She knew his personality—he didn't tolerate defiance from anyone. And right now, she didn't have the

"Got it," then turned and left, head

party was over,

were scheduled to accompany Stella out the next day, so Stella arranged for

but not crowded, since extended family

hallway toward their rooms, Abby handed

is for

as gifts, Abby could only offer something simple. She'd

years of friendship, Abby knew Stella's

bracelet, her eyes lighting

carrying the bags of gifts everyone had

glanced back at Stella. "Star, Joshua's got something

given Stella a gift-everyone

turned to him.

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

Stella's

Joshua a look, but his elegant,