The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

As expected, Israel asked, "What is it?"

Leonard replied, "It's about Simone. You saw what happened before. On the day we went to rescue Aurora, Simone was kidnapped and... violated. The people behind it are using this to blackmail her and steal business opportunities from The Lerman Group."

Israel didn't seem interested in Simone's predicament. "So, what's your point?"

Leonard continued, "The person who orchestrated Simone's kidnapping is almost certainly someone close to Stella—though I can't say exactly who just yet. But..." Leonard leaned in, lowering his voice to outline his plan.

At first, Israel looked bored, barely listening. But as Leonard spoke, Israel's eyes began to light up. The prospect of bringing Stella down without having to get his own hands too dirty was tempting-how could he pass up such an opportunity?

After all, if Stella made a critical mistake, disappointing The Williams Group's shareholders, then their chances of buying out her original shares would skyrocket.

Israel said, “Stella probably managed to acquire Pearce Group's original shares with help from Haynes and Neville. I suggest we strike against them now. It'd deal a heavy blow-maybe even let us take over their companies too. Without their support, Stella is finished. She won't have a leg to stand on."

after Haynes and the others, but they hadn't given him a straight answer. They wouldn't make a move unless they were absolutely sure Stella had gotten

it, he would. It wouldn't be

***

Stella felt like she was still dreaming. She had actually pulled it off-she'd successfully acquired

sixty million out of the five hundred million, so there's still over a hundred

investments. Now that I've secured Pearce Group, I don't have to rush to impress The Williams Group's shareholders 'fect the time to step back and really

to sell off some of his assets? Make sure you compensate

losses wouldn't eat up too much—she'd still have plenty of

nodded. "Alright, I'll have someone crunch the

***

a month running herself ragged. She was still new to the business world and had barely wrapped her

It was overwhelming,