The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 1039

Stella feigned confusion. "Wasn't it you who asked me to come, Ethan?"

Israel's expression stiffened, but he quickly recovered. "I'm still a manager at The Williams Group. If people could just stroll into my office without so much as a call ahead, I might as well throw open the doors and turn it into a marketplace, don't you think?"

Stella smiled, unfazed. "Come on, Ethan. I'm your sister, not some stranger barging in.

Besides, we're going to be working together in the same company from now on. Sure, I don't know much yet, and I haven't accomplished anything here.

But let's not forget-I actually own more shares than you do. So technically, you should be calling me boss when you see me in the halls.

And as a company leader, I should have access to every office in The Williams Group, shouldn't I?"

Her words seemed casual, but every line landed like a well-aimed dart, making Israel bristle.

The thought of being outranked by a woman he'd always looked down on made his skin crawl. When Stella had first returned to the Williams family, he hadn't openly mocked her, but he certainly hadn't respected her either. In fact, he'd thought even wasting a sneer on her was beneath him.

Israel let out a cold laugh. "Stella, you haven't even started at The Williams Group

yet, and you're already acting like you own the place?"

Stella remained perfectly calm. "As a member of the Williams family, why shouldn't I treat our family company as my own?"

She sighed lightly. "Ethan, we share the same parents. Why do you always treat me like an outsider? Why do you look at me like I'm a nuisance?"

her innocent act. A flicker of worry crossed his mind was Stella recording this,

composure, Israel replied, "You're overthinking things. I don't see you as an outsider, and I don't

innocent bystander. The victim's family is here, demanding an explanation. No matter what, hitting someone is wrong. All I'm asking

not,"

surprised by how agreeable she was. He stood up. "I'll take

the family of the injured boy-oil tycoons and financiers, people who'd raised their son to be so wildly entitled. They

almost imperceptible smirk played

the office, they nearly collided with Coleman and Aurora coming down the hall. The four

the first to speak. "Ethan, Stella,

Israel replied, glancing at them. "What about

position at The Williams Group. He's showing

Coleman wanted

introduce Aurora to each

she was family. The Williams family

identities or started a

bottom. Other than sparing

really have to "work their way

running smoothly, so there was no need for

knew Coleman was trying to establish Aurora's authority, making sure no one in the company would dare give

moment, Israel turned to Stella. "Dad's office is on the top floor. I'll have my assistant take you up. I've got something else to handle

of the company. Jonathan might be the designated heir, but Israel

just as impressive. If