The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Shawn's father's eyes flickered. "The culprit? Are you saying, Mr. Williams, that Stella is responsible for Shawn's disappearance, and now his whereabouts are unknown?"

Israel replied, "Shawn vanished right after Stella's accident. Who do you think looks more suspicious?"

Israel knew full well that without evidence, Stella couldn't be charged. But that didn't matter. As long as he could drive a wedge between Stella and the Pearce family and sabotage their contract signing, he'd consider it mission accomplished.

He wanted Stella to understand that, without the Williams family's approval, she'd never get anything done-no matter how many founding shares she held.

Let her clutch those shares all she wants; they could rot away in her coffin for all he cared.

Shawn's father spoke calmly. "According to my investigation, Stella was in the hospital that entire day, fighting for her life and unconscious. Even if she had the motive, she wouldn't have had the strength or the time. By the time she woke up, Shawn was already missing. I'll admit, I did suspect her at first. But now, hearing you accuse your own sister so righteously, Mr. Williams, I'm starting to believe she's innocent. After all, if she really were the culprit, it would do far more harm than good to the Williams family. The way you're throwing around these accusations so recklessly-clearly banking on the fact that you have no proof- just tells me you're trying to stir up distrust and derail today's contract."

He looked at Israel with a meaningful gaze. "You're still too young, Mr. Williams." There was wisdom in age, after all.

Shawn's father was every bit as shrewd as Skyler-no way would he fall for such a simple trick.

Israel's face stiffened.

with a diplomatic smile. "Pearce, don't take it personally.

for those who don't know Israel well, hearing her run down her own sister like that-imagine what stories they'll spin. Skyler, you need to keep an eye on her. If nasty rumors start to spread, it won't be good for Israel

kept smiling, but a cold

for the signing

everyone's eyes, dressed in a crisp, tailored suit. Her

her

dignified-so much so that no one dared

Even

had

or hoping to see Stelbet

but

the faces at

had managed to pull together the funds in just three