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 didn't dare go up against Leonard directly. She knew his personality—he didn't tolerate defiance

low voice, Simone muttered, "Got it," then turned

the party

and Joshua were scheduled to accompany Stella out the next day, so

extended family didn't live there and many

Stella led them down the hallway toward their rooms, Abby handed Stella a small

this is for you," Abby

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

of friendship, Abby knew Stella's taste

bracelet, her eyes lighting

carrying the bags of gifts everyone had brought

glanced back at Stella. "Star, Joshua's

had given

him.

see.

Stella's

Joshua a look, but his elegant, pale