The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

These small companies were all side investments The Williams Group picked up while expanding its business. The Williams Group had been reaping the rewards of venture capital for years, casting a wide net and investing here and there. Sure, a few of those investments had paid off, but compared to the returns Nora once achieved, they were hardly worth mentioning.

Nora had spoiled everyone's expectations. Now, even a return multiplied several dozen times was considered child's play in their eyes. If a company failed to show promise within the set time frame, no one could be bothered to manage it further. Everyone's energy was limited-who had the time to waste on a hopeless project?

These were all seasoned business veterans; it took only a glance for them to see that Aurora's assessment was spot-on.

Someone praised her, "No wonder she's Skyler's daughter. She's inherited his business acumen-right to the heart of the matter, pinpointing the problem immediately."

"Exactly. Her analysis and presentation are flawless."

"When I was her age, I remember getting chewed out by my manager for botching a proposal. She's miles ahead."

"Skyler, your daughter's every bit as outstanding as your three sons-maybe even more so. I'm starting to get jealous. All your children are exceptional."

room filled with praise for Aurora, everyone

least bit smug. Amid the compliments, she maintained a poised,

Nora, a trace of concern flickered in their eyes as they watched the scene. Aurora's proposal was nearly flawless; even if they wanted to find fault, there was nothing to criticize. They weren't about to stoop to

the standard, Stella-who'd never set

the proud father as his daughter was showered with praise. "You're all too kind,"

to Stella. "Star, it's your turn." Stella nodded and cast her proposal onto the conference room screen. But unlike the lively

hold back, his expression dark. "Stella, you did this on purpose, didn't you?

to occur to him, and he pointed at Stella accusingly. "Did you sneak up to our room last night and eavesdrop

correctly, the hallway is under constant surveillance. If you want, you can check the footage and see whether I was lurking outside your door."

but Jonathan cut him off coldly. "Enough. Let

choose from this time, with only five or six offering any real potential. It was only natural that sometimes they'd pick

one.